Prior exhaustive exercise and subsequent, maximal constant load exercise performance.

The effect of an elevated blood lactate concentration on maximal constant load exercise performance (MCLE) was studied in nine males. Two experimental sessions followed a continuous VO2max test, each consisting of an initial work bout at approximately 110% VO2max, a 20 min recovery, and a second maximal performance test. Blood lactate concentrations reached approximately 10 mM following the initial work bout and were altered prior to the second bout by one of two recovery patterns: 1) active recovery (AR)--pedaling at 40% VO2max or 2) passive recovery (PR)--sitting quietly. Performance time, total pedal revolutions, metabolic parameters, and heart rate (HR) were measured during each work bout. Despite significant differences in blood lactate concentration, there were no differences in work output among the performance tests (either between conditions or from pre- to post-recovery); there was a low correlation (r = 0.08) between pre-existing blood lactate concentration and work output on a subsequent maximal constant load exercise test. It was concluded that elevated blood lactate concentration does not affect maximal constant load exercise performance.