Workload impact on gender-based differences in delta blood lactate concentrations from supramaximal exercise

• Published in: Isokinetics and exercise science 2016-01, Vol.24 (3), p.181-187
• Main Authors: Martin, J.L., Perry, R.A., Baptista, R.A., McArtor, J.D., Clutter, L.B., Symons, T.B., de Paleville, D. Terson, Roberts, A., Cesarz, G., Caruso, J.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0959-3020; 1878-5913
• DOI: 10.3233/IES-160615

BACKGROUND: Gender-based delta blood lactate concentration (Δ [BLa - ]) differences may be impacted by the volume of work performed during exercise. Thus workload can act as a confounding influence when data from men and women are compared. OBJECTIVE: To examine workload's impact on gender-based disparities in delta blood lactate concentration (Δ [BLa - ]) values from supramaximal exercise. METHODS: Subjects (49 women, 31 men) did two workouts on an exercise device (Impulse Technologies; Newnan, GA) comprised solely of either tonic or phasic repetitions. Total work (TW) and Δ [BLa -] were quantified from each workout. TW and raw Δ [BLa - ] values were each examined with 2 × 2 ANOVAs, with repeated measures for workout. Δ [BLa - ] values were also examined with TW as a covariate using a 2 × 2 ANCOVA and repeated measures for workout. RESULTS: Raw Δ [BLa - ] and TW results each yielded predictable inter-gender differences. However our ANCOVA data produced a two-way interaction and the following significant differences: men-phasic, women-phasic > women-tonic > men-tonic. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the idea that the volume of TW performed exacerbates inherent metabolic differences among men and women that heighten gender-based blood lactate differences. Future research on inter-gender lactate differences should consider workload as a covariate.