LACTATE: A BIOLOGICAL MARKER OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN COLOMBIAN WEIGHTLIFTING ATHLETES

Introduction: Blood biomarkers are measurable metabolic products that allow objective monitoring of the training process, and their analysis provides an opportunity to improve athletic performance. Objective: To evaluate blood lactate concentrations in a group of the Valle League weightlifting athletes as a tool to determine the effects of training and its direct relationship to performance during competition. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study. Lactate levels of 32 weightlifting athletes belonging to the Valle Weightlifting League were evaluated. Blood samples were taken from the ear lobe to quantify the lactate concentration, using a Scout Lactate analyzer. Samples were taken before and after a high intensity training section consisting of four maximum repetition (MR) sports gestures, in which 5 series and 15 repetitions were performed for each sports gesture, with a rest period of 40 seconds between each exercise. The software program SPSS, version 25, was used to determine the lactate concentrations. Results: An average lactate concentration 22.46 mg/dL was obtained for the athletes at rest, and an average of 98.30 mg/dL in the final lactate concentration, after high intensity exercise. Significant differences were found between the initial and final lactate concentrations. Conclusion: Lactate concentration increases with physical activity; it varies from one individual to another; and it can be used as a biomarker of intensity of physical activity in the field of sports.

Automated summary

By evaluating the blood lactate concentrations of weightlifting athletes in the Valle League, it was found that intensity of training has a direct impact on performance during competition. Blood lactate concentration can vary among individuals and can be used as a valuable biomarker to assess physical activity intensity in sports.