Differences in heart rate and lactate level at the individual anaerobic threshold in swimming, cycling and running in national junior triathlon athletes and its importance for management of sport training
Abstract
The knowledge of individual anaerobic threshold value is one of the most important tools in the management of endurance sports training. In triathlon, which belongs to endurance sports, the monitored parameters heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (LA) vary in its different parts.
The aim of the study was to compare levels of heart rate and lactate at anaerobic threshold intensity in different parts of triathlon. The research sample included 13 males - Czech national triathlon athletes in categories of juniors and K23 (age 20.0 +- 2.1; body height 182.6 +- 5.0; body weight 74.7 +- 5.0; VO2max .kg-1 71.2 +- 3.0).
To process statistical data, we used non-parametric Friedman's test (2-way Friedman with all pairwise multiple comparison). Analysis showed significant differences in both measured parameters HR (sig. 0.000), and LA (sig 0.000) between parameters from swimming, cycling and running tests.
The found changes are an important tool for an overall concept of sport training in triathlon. Their importance is mainly in smooth transitions between different events of triathlon where a sudden change of HR and LA appear, especially when intensity at AT is required.
An increased emphasis should be given to training of the transitions.