As a predictor for anerobic performance in many sports, the maximal glycolytic rate (Lamax) is assessed in a laboratory setting. However, differences between lab-based test and a sport specific field setting remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare ergometer and on-water tests for vLamax in elite youth canoe polo players. Fifteen elite German youth canoe polo players performed a 15 s all-out sprint on a Dansprint ergometer and a 50 m (males) or 40 m (females) all-out sprint on water. Capillary blood samples were taken before and every minute for 8 min after the sprint to determine vLa (difference between resting and peak post-exercise blood lactate concentrations). Body composition was assessed using Tanita BC-601 impedance analysis. Power output during the 15 s all-out ergometer sprint showed a high correlation with fat-free mass (r = 0.82) and total lactate production (r = 0.86). A multiple regression model incorporating both parameters improved prediction of power output to 89%. Velocity during the 40 and 50 m on-water sprints correlated moderately with vLamax (r = 0.72) and body-fat percentage (r = -0.62). A considerable difference in both vLa and vLamax was evident between ergometer and on-water sprinting. vLamax is positively correlated with mean velocity and power output during on-water and ergometer sprinting, and that body composition significantly influences the relationship between lactate accumulation and performance output. Additionally, performance metrics and capillary blood lactate measurements cannot be simply transferred between ergometer and on-water tests, indicating that ergometer-derived values do not reliably predict on-water performance.
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