Lactic acid removal rates during controlled and uncontrolled recovery exercise

After a standardized 6-min bicycle ergometer exercise (89% VO2max) lactic acid removal rates were compared during recovery at rest and exercies at 29.7, 45.3, 61.8, and 80.8% VO2max, and twice while the subjects (N = 7) regulated their own recovery exercise. Blood samples were taken after the standardized exercise and every 5 min during the 30-min recovery periods. During the controlled recovery periods lactic acid removal rates were dependent on the intensity of the recovery (Y' = 0.103 + 0.218chi - 0.464 X 10(-2)chi2 + 0.252 X 10(-4)chi3). Optimal removal was predicted to occur at 32% VO2max. Removal rates during the self-regulated recoveries were not different (P greater than 0.05), but these removal rates were faster than during recovery at rest and exercise at 61.8 and 80.8% VO2max (P less than 0.01). Removal rates during the self-regulated recovery and recovery at 29.7 and 45.3% VO2max were not different (P greater than 0.05). The subjects were therefore able to remove lactic acid effectively when selecting their own recovery exercise.