Blood Lactate and Resting Heart Rate of Adolescent Female Race Walkers

Abstract

The objective of this research was to describe the dynamics of lactic acid pre- and post-training in controls and competitions in young athletes. Methodologically, it is a quantitative longitudinal study measuring resting heart rate and lactic acid. Lactic acid was measured using the Accusport analyzer, and resting heart rate was recorded with Polar heart rate monitors before training during the preparatory period (January 26 to April 25, 1999). The study included three female race walkers aged 14 to 15 from the EIDE in Havana, Cuba.

Previous literature indicates limited information on this topic, as training programs for adolescents—particularly in race walking—cannot simply rely on adult programs, plans, and functional or biochemical indicators. Knowing that approximately 50% of produced lactic acid is found in the blood, influenced by aerobic capacity, residual fatigue, temperature, and variables such as biological age, the study results show resting lactic acid values ranging between 2.3 and 2.8 mmol/L (mean), and post-load values ranging between 7.9 and 13.3 mmol/L (mean).

In conclusion, the results indicate activity of the aerobic metabolism, as well as values reflecting substantial participation of anaerobic energy production.