A comparison of blood lactate vs muscle oxygenation

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare blood lactate threshold along with muscle deoxygenation threshold on 3 different modalities. Methods: Seven male healthy volunteers aged 22 to 25 years completed a maximum ramp test on 3 different modalities. Lactate was measured along with muscle deoxygenation using a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) system. Results: The main finding of the study was deoxygenated hemoglobin threshold occurred at different times between the modalities and only matched up with lactate threshold during the running protocol. During the walking protocol, deoxygenated hemoglobin threshold occurred before lactate threshold and during the cycling protocol deoxygenated hemoglobin occurred after lactate threshold. Conclusion: Cycling and walking uphill involved more concentric contraction compared to running. The running protocol involved both concentric and eccentric contractions leading to greater efficiency which means greater blood flow and metabolic clearance. With greater blood flow the body is able to keep up with oxygen delivery longer, along with being able to clear out hydrogen ions and lactate. The greater the efficiency, the longer it takes to reach maximum deoxygenated hemoglobin and longer to reach lactate threshold.