Lactate in Working Muscles after Prolonged Exercice

Abstract Nearly normal muscle lactate concentrations were obtained with a submaximal work load preceded by prolonged heavy exercise for 2–4 and 5–7 hrs, resulting in a marked decrease in muscle glycogen content. The same was true if prolonged work for 2–4 hrs preceded a standardized supramaximal work test in contrast to prolonged work for 5–7 hrs. In all these studies, however, the blood lactate concentration was reduced after prolonged work, thus con firming earlier findings (Astrand et al . 1963). This might indicate enhanced utilization of blood‐borne lactate induced by the preceding, prolonged work.