Jamie S. M. Pringle

Maximal lactate steady state as a training stimulus

The present study examined the use of the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) as an exercise training stimulus in moderately trained runners. Fourteen healthy individuals (12 male, 2 female; age 25 +/- 6 years, height 1.76 +/- 0.05 m, body mass 76 +/- 8 kg mean +/- SD) took part in the study. Following determination of the lactate threshold (LT), VO2max, running velocity at MLSS (vMLSS) and a control period of 4 weeks, participants were pair matched and split into two cohorts performing either continuous (CONT: 2 sessions/week at vMLSS) or intermittent treadmill running (INT: 2 sessions/week, 3-min repetitions 0.5 km . h (-1) above and below vMLSS). vMLSS increased in CONT by 8 % from 12.3 +/- 1.5 to 13.4 +/- 1.6 km . h (-1) (p < 0.05) and in INT by 5 % from 12.2 +/- 1.9 km . h (-1) to 12.9 +/- 1.9 km . h (-1) (p < 0.05). Running speed at the LT increased by 7 % in the CONT group (p < 0.05) and by 9 % in the INT group (p < 0.05). VO2max increased by 10 % in the CONT group (p < 0.05) and by 6 % in INT (p < 0.05). Two sessions per week at vMLSS are capable of eliciting improvements in the physiological responses at LT, MLSS, and VO2max in moderately trained runners.

Altitude training for elite endurance performance: a 2012 update.

Abstract Altitude training is commonly used by endurance athletes and coaches in pursuit of enhancement of performance on return to sea level. The purpose of the current review article was to update and evaluate recent literature relevant to the practical application of altitude training for endurance athletes. Consequently, the literature can be considered in either of two categories: performance-led investigations or mechanistic advancements/insights. Each section discusses the relevant literature and proposes future directions where appropriate.