Lactate Inflection Point (HL)

What is the lactate inflection point?

The point when lactic acid starts building up in your blood faster than your body can remove it during intense exercise.

What is another name for the lactate inflection point?

Lactate threshold.

What does the term 'threshold' or 'inflection point' refer to?

The point at which something begins to change or happen.

What is VO2 max?

The maximum rate at which an individual takes in and uses oxygen.

What occurs once exercise exceeds VO2 max?

Oxygen debt occurs, and metabolism switches from aerobic to anaerobic.

What happens to blood lactate levels when exercising at intensities beyond VO2 max?

There is an abrupt increase in blood lactate levels.

What are the consequences of increased blood lactate?

Impairment of muscle contractility and fatigue.

What is the critical power threshold?

A measure of the max power output a person can sustain for long periods without fatigue.

How does lactate inflection point impact training?

• set training zones

• enhance performance

• tailor training plans

• monitor progress

Set training zones

It helps athletes identify their optimal intensity for endurance training, improves lactate clearance and aerobic capacity and push the body to tolerance

Enhance performance

allows athletes can sustain higher intensities for longer.

Tailor training plans

can focus on different energy systems and targeting specific zones.

What occurs below the lactate inflection point?

Improved aerobic efficiency and recovery.

What happens at or slightly above the lactate inflection point?

It boosts lactate threshold, delaying fatigue.

Why is regular testing important in training?

It enables adjustments to meet new goals.

Describe the relationship between power output and time sustained.

There is a negative relationship; as duration increases, the ability to produce and sustain high power decreases.

What are the power duration metrics mentioned?

Power sustained for 20 min (CP20), 45 min (CP45), and 60 min (CP60).

What contributes to the decrease in sustained power output over time?

Fatigue, lactic acid buildup, and a shift towards aerobic energy systems.

How does fatigue affect energy stores during exercise?

It significantly depletes energy stores.

How does lactic acid buildup affect exercise sustainability?

Higher intensities for shorter periods rely on anaerobic energy, which cannot be sustained over time.

What happens to the body’s energy systems as exercise duration increases?

The body shifts towards slower, aerobic energy systems which produce less power.