Smith, J. A., & Chang, C-C. (1999). Heart rate and blood lactate responses during training and competition in elite badminton players. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 1463.

Male badminton players (N = 13) were physiologically evaluated during an intense interval training session and at another time during a 3-set game.

There were no significant correlations between heart rate and lactate. Heart rates and lactate levels were significantly higher at training than in a game. Lactate increased progressively during the training session but remained relatively stable during the game.

Implication. The physiological demands of training are higher than in a game. In badminton, heart rate should not be used to infer lactate or workload levels.

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