Influence of the extraction place in the determination of lactate levels during a test of incremental exercise

Abstract

Purpose. This study has aimed to assess whether there are significant differences in the lactate concentrations when we simultaneously measure the fleshy part of the finger and the ear lobe during performance of an incremental exercise test and in the recovery.

Methods. A longitudinal prospective study was conducted, evaluating 9 athletes included in the sports modernization program (mean age 15 years). Each subject underwent an incremental exercise test with the Kayak ergometer, obtaining measurements of lactate levels in finger and ear at the following times: at rest, 60 watts (W), 70 W, 80 W, 90 W, 100 W and in the recovery phase: minutes 3 and 5.

Results. Higher levels of lactate were observed in all the subjects in the finger than in the ear. These differences were statistically significant in the baseline lactate values and in the low levels of workloads (60 and 70 W), the aerobic zone of the curve. These differences decreased with the appearance of the ventilatory threshold (anaerobic zone) and until the end of the test and recovery.

Conclusion. The extraction site of the sample (finger-ear) is determinant in the lactate levels obtained, mainly at rest and in the initial phases of the incremental test with Kayak ergometer.