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article 2025 9 pages

Durability in recreational runners: effects of 90-min low-intensity exercise on the running speed at the lactate threshold

Olli-Pekka Nuuttila, Vesa Laatikainen-Raussi, Krista Vohlakari, Iida Laatikainen-Raussi, Johanna K. Ihalainen

Journal
European Journal of Applied Physiology
DOI
10.1007/s00421-024-05631-y
Publication type
Original Research
Population
recreational runners
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Abstract

Purpose

Recent studies have suggested that the capability to resist deterioration of physiological characteristics could be an independent factor contributing to endurance performance. This study aimed at investigating whether prolonged low-intensity exercise induces shifts in the lactate threshold, and whether fatigue-induced changes differ between the sexes.

Methods

A total of 31 (15 females) recreational runners performed an incremental treadmill test and a 90-min low-intensity exercise (LIT90) on two separate occasions. The LIT90 was performed at 90% of the first lactate threshold speed (LT1v), derived from the incremental treadmill test. The LT1v was determined from a 5-stage (3 min) submaximal threshold test (SubmaxLT), performed before and after LIT90. The SubmaxLTs were followed by a 10/5 reactivity jump test. Respiratory gases, heart rate (HR), and HR-derived detrended fluctuation analysis alpha 1 (DFA-a1) were assessed every 15 min during the LIT90.

Results

A significant decrease (p 

Description

The study examines the effects of low-intensity exercise on lactate threshold in recreational runners.