pubmed-article:1433461 | pubmed:abstractText | This study examined whether the ventilatory (V) compensation for metabolic acidosis with increasing O2 uptake (VO2) and CO2 output (VCO2) might be more in accord with the theoretical expectation of a progressive acceleration of proton production from carbohydrate oxidation rather than a sudden onset of blood lactate (BLa) accumulation. The interrelationships between V, VO2, VCO2 and BLa concentration, [BLa], were investigated in 10 endurance-trained male cyclists during incremental (120 +/- 15 W min-1) exercise tests to exhaustion. Regression analyses on the V, VCO2 and [BLa] vs VO2 data revealed that all were better fitted by continuous Y = A.exp.[B.VO2] + C rate laws than by threshold linear rate equations (P < 0.0001). Plots of V vs VCO2 and [BLa] were also non-linear. Ventilation increased as an exponential V = 27 +/- 4.exp.[0.37 +/- 0.03.VCO2] function of VCO2 and as a hyperbolic function of [BLa]. In opposition to the 'anaerobic (lactate) threshold' hypothesis, we suggest these data are more readily explained by a continuous development of acidosis, rather than a sudden onset of BLa accumulation, during progressive exercise. | lld:pubmed |