OBLA Flashcards
What is OBLA
Onset of blood lactate accumulation - It describes the point at which lactate rapidly accumulates in the muscles and blood.
It gives a performer an indication of their endurance capacity.
When is lactate produced?
When hydrogen is removed from the lactic acid molecule
How much lactic acid is in the blood at rest?
1-2mmoll
When do lactic acid levels rise dramatically?
During anaerobic intense exercise
When does OBLA occur?
At 4mmoll
What is OBLA also known as?
Lactate threshold or anaerobic threshold
What is OBLA expressed as?
A percentage of VO2 max, as it is OBLA that determines what percentage of our engine (VO2 max) we can use.
When does OBLA occur for an untrained individual?
At around 55-60% of their VO2max
When does OBLA occur for a trained individual?
At around 85-90% of their VO2 max as they’re able to delay OBLA
Why can trained individuals train for longer without reaching OBLA?
As they have a higher lactate tolerance and a better buffering capability.
How can OBLA be delayed?
By training around your lactate threshold it will be improved
What adaptations does further training lead to?
- higher tolerance to blood lactate
- increased removal of lactic acid through effective buffering
What does buffering mean?
The ability of the blood to compensate for the addition of lactic acid or hydrogen ions and maintain the pH level.
