LACTATE THRESHOLD IS AFFECTED MORE BY HEAT THAN BY HYDRATION

Papadopoulos, C., Doyle, J. A., & Thompson, W. R. (1998). The effect of hypohydration on the lactate threshold in a hot and humid environment. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1612.

The effect of hypohydration on lactate threshold in a hot and humid environment was evaluated. Males (N = 10) performed four randomly assigned maximal treadmill tests. Two trials were at room temperature (22 degrees Celsius) and two were in a heat chamber (37 degrees Celsius). One trial was euhyrdated and the other hypohydrated. Hypohydration was restricted to -1 to -2.6% change in body weight.

Lactate threshold occurred at a significantly earlier stage, lower VO2, and higher core temperature in the heat trials than in the room temperature trials. Lactate threshold was not affected by hydration.

Implication. Temperature has a greater effect upon lactate threshold than hydration.

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