The Physiology of Lactate and Maximal Glycolytic Rate (VLaMax) | #76 ft. Benedikt Meixner

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Benedict Meixner and I discuss, maximal glycolytic rate (VLaMax) and how its measured through a 15-second all-out sprint test. VLaMax refers to the maximal rate of glycolysis or maximal glycolytic rate, which is measured through the end product of glycolysis, lactate. The standard VLA Max protocol involves a 10-minute warm-up at 1.5 w/kg, followed by a 15-second all-out sprint on an electronically braked ergometer set to isokinetic mode. Lactate measurements are taken at rest, immediately after the sprint, and every minute for up to 8 minutes. The highest blood lactate value is used to determine VLaMax. In this conversation, Benedikt and I discuss the measurement and interpretation of VLaMax for endurance athletes. We explore different methods of measuring VLaMax, including the use of Delta lactate and phosphogen contribution time. We also discuss the relationship between VLaMax, power output, and fat-free mass. The conversation highlights the importance of standardized protocols and the challenges of comparing VLaMax values across individuals. The main takeaway is that VLaMax is a significant predictor of power output in sprinting, but further research is needed to understand its relationship to endurance exercise and substrate utilization. TAKEAWAYS - VLaMax refers to the maximal rate of glycolysis or maximal glycolytic rate, measured through blood lactate production. - The standard VLaMax protocol involves a 15-second all-out sprint on an ergometer set to isokinetic mode. -VLaMax is influenced by factors such as power output and fat-free mass. - Further research is needed to understand the relationship between VLaMax and endurance exercise, substrate utilization, and the effects of diet and training on VLaMax Enjoy! Enjoying these podcasts, subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released. If you have a question or topic you want me to address, leave a comment! Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/criticalo2 Interested in learning more about physiology? Check out the critical oxygen website for blogs, courses and coaching -https://www.criticaloxygen.com/ CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00 Introduction to VLaMax and the Critical Oxygen Podcast 08:06 Understanding Lactate and its Measurement 16:23 Introduction to VLaMax and its Definition 28:16 The Standard VLaMax Protocol 40:09 Measuring Lactate at Rest and After the Sprint 43:01 Determining VLaMax 45:23 Understanding VLaMax: Measurement and Interpretation 50:41 The Importance of Standardized Protocols for VLaMax Testing 56:37 The Relationship Between VLaMax, Power Output, and Fat-Free Mass 01:05:24 Exploring the Relationship Between VLaMax and Endurance Exercise 01:16:54 The Effects of Diet and Training on VLaMax 01:21:13 Optimizing Training and Performance with VLaMax Measurements KEYWORDS VLaMax, glycolysis, lactate, sprint test, ergometer, isokinetic mode, lactate measurements, maximal lactate production rate, measurement, interpretation, endurance athletes, Delta lactate, phosphogen contribution time, power output, fat-free mass, standardized protocols, sprinting, endurance exercise, substrate utilization