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Research question
The study examined maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in T53/54 wheelchair racers, because commonly accepted values were developed using non-disabled participants and might not apply to this group. Researchers measured blood lactate concentration and the corresponding workload, while also assessing whether a fixed lactate value could estimate MLSS workload.
Testing protocol
Nine elite T53/54 racers completed a 1,500-m simulation, a six-level incremental test and two to five 30-minute constant-load tests on an outdoor 400-m track. Earlobe blood lactate, heart rate and velocity were recorded. MLSS was defined as the highest lactate concentration whose increase during the final 20 minutes was no more than 1.0 mM.
Main findings
Mean blood lactate at MLSS was 5.3 ± 1.1 mM. Speed at MLSS exceeded the speed recorded during incremental testing at 4 mM, but was similar to speed at 5.3 mM. MLSS velocity represented 80.6 ± 2.5% of incremental-test maximum workload, while perceived exertion averaged 12.9 ± 1.1. The researchers described 5.3 mM as a more accurate group estimate for these racers.
