Hawkins, K., Hauser, B., Davis, J. E., & Luetkemeier, M. J. (2004). Effect of altitude on lactate removal rates following high-intensity exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement abstract 766.

Healthy Ss (N = 6) completed a graded-exercise test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer at sea level (L1), acute exposure to altitude (3,400 m; A1), two-weeks after altitude exposure (A2), and upon return to sea level (L2). Lactate was measured every two minutes in and after the exercise. Monitoring ceased when lactate levels returned to 50% of maximum levels.

Lactate clearance time significantly increased during A1 when compared to L1. It then decreased at A2 and L2 but did not return to L1 levels.

Implication. Altitude exposure prolongs the time for lactate clearance to occur.

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