4 - Energy Transfer During Short Duration/High Intensity Exercise

Question 1

Explain the lactate threshold?

Answer 1

The point during exercise at which lactic acid quickly accumulates in the blood.
- As exercise intensity increases, the body moves from working aerobically to anaerobically. This crossing of the aerobic/anaerobic threshold is also known as the lactate threshold and is the point at which lactic acid rapidly accumulates in the blood (increase by 2 millimoles per litre of blood above resting level).

Question 2

Explain OBLA?

Answer 2

Onset Blood Lactate Accumulation is the point when lactate levels go above 4 millimoles per litre.
- We are constantly producing small amounts of lactate due to red blood cell activity when working at low intensity but the levels are low and the body deals with these effectively. However, as the intensity of the exercise increases and the body is unable to produce enough oxygen to break down lactate, the levels of lactate buildup/accumulate and this is known as OBLA.

Question 3

Name factors that affect the rate of lactate accumulation?

Answer 3

• Exercise intensity
• Muscle fibre type
• Rate of blood lactate removal
• The respiratory exchange ratio
• Fitness of the performer