MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION

Measurement and Evaluation



Abstract

The experiment is to identify the lactate thresholds. When increasing running pace or workload there is a point at which lactic acid begins to accumulate. This is a crucial workload, as lactic acid can inhibit muscle contraction and energy production and cause pain and a burning sensation. The point (heart rate or running pace) at which lactic acid begins to accumulate is called the Lactate ThresholdThe point of this lab report is calculate measurement error and reliability that i have to write in this lab report and then compare measurement error and reliability of two experimenter.

Measurement and Evaluation

Introduction

. This measurement is also sometimes called the anaerobic threshold or onset of blood lactic acid(Coyle, 2010: 93-107). The lactate threshold measurement is very valuable as it is one of the more sensitive indicators of fitness level. For example, if training is ineffective the lactate threshold will be reached at a relatively low running speed; with more effective training the threshold will be achieved at a higher speed. Elite athletes reach the lactate threshold at a much higher running speed than sub-elites. The threshold is, once again, a function of effective training and also genetics. Many scientific studies indicate that the lactate threshold is one of the best predictors of distance running performance. The lactate threshold is also very valuable relative to training and competition (Fallowfield, 2010: 133-138). Training at the threshold has been found to improve performance and the capacity of the aerobic system. Interval training and "overdistance" training should thus consider the running speed at which the lactate threshold is attained. The lactate threshold is one of the more important measurements that will be obtained during testing of an endurance athlete. The lactate threshold for most males is between 165 and 180 beats per minute, with females being slightly higher, at about 175 to 185 beats per minute. Of all the measurements obtained during testing, the speed and heart rate at which the lactate threshold is obtained are probably the most important to remember when planning training. The lactate threshold can also be 'roughly' estimated by graphing VO2 (l/min) on the x-axis against Ve (l/min) on the y-axis and 'looking' for the ventilation breaking point. Which would generally be 2/3 of the way up the graph. The most accurate way would be to take blood lactates throughout the VO2max test, but if this is not available this graphing technique can work quite well. For comparison purpose, in competitive regional and national level distance runners, the lactate threshold is reached at speeds of 6:00 to 5:00 pace per mile. A higher speed at the threshold is desirable (Horowitz, 2011: 523-527). The threshold represents a point where the accumulation of metabolites detrimental to performance may begin; thus, a faster threshold speed indicates that the athlete may perform at this speed for a fairly long period of time (possibly up to a marathon) without experiencing undue fatigue. However, when speed or workload exceeds the threshold, the accumulation of lactic acid ...