Lactate Sampling and respiratory exchange

Question 1

What is the process of lactate sampling?

Answer 1

• Sterlised needles pokes the finger
• A small micro sample of blood
• Analyser takes a sample
• Results in 60 seconds

Question 2

What does a blood lactate reading tell us?

Answer 2

• Tell us the intensity the athlete is working at (normal levels of lactate = 1-2mmol and OBLA kicks in a 4mmol)
• At this point blood rapidly accumulates in the blood

Question 3

What is it blood lactate used for?

Answer 3

• Ensure they are training at the right intensity (training over the lactate threshold can lead to over training and training too far below can lead to a training plateau)
• Used to determine training zones (improvements can be made to VO2 max)
• Used to monitor training programmes (lactate reading should decrease as it is better at buffering)
• Used to measure an athlete’s OBLA

Question 4

What is Respiratory Exchange Ratio?

Answer 4

The ratio between the amount of oxygen used by the body and carbon dioxide produced
- the higher the value, the more CO2 is being exhaled therefore more oxygen is being used (working aerobically)

Question 5

What does the RER reading tell us and who would use it?

Answer 5

• Determines which energy source is being used (Respiratory quotation) and can link to the energy systems being used
• 0.7 = just fats
• 0.85 = mix of carbs and fats
• 1.0 = just carbs
• > 1.0 = anaerobic respiration
• Coaches can use it to identify if they are working aerobically or anaerobically
• Used to measure intensity
• Identify training zones

Question 6

What is the disadvantage of RER?

Answer 6

Can only be measured by gas analysis in a lab