Colaço P. e Santos P. (1999). Is the two speed test an usefull tool to evaluate the anaerobic capacity of an 800m runner? Medicine & Science & Exercise, vol.31, 5, S257
Glysolisis is considered to be a determinant energy source of an 800m runner. The two speed test is a commonly used field test in the evaluation of the anaerobic metabolism in middle distance running. In fact, the maximal blood lactate concentration (MBLC) achieved iin this test is considered to be an important indicator of the athlete’s anaerobic capacity. The purpose of this research was to determine the relation between MBLC reached in the two speed test using a specific distance and the MBLC attained in an 800m competition. Ten male junior middle-distance runners performed a field test using as distances 2x300m and running intensities of 80-85% and >95% of maximal speed, respectively. The time of recovery between repeats was 25 min. Following each step blood samples were taken from the ear lobe in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 12th minute of recovery. MBLC was also determined (within the same week) after a competition of 800m, using similar procedures. Only the MBLC reached in the maximal 300m of the two speed test (2nd step) was considered for data analysis. The blood lactate concentration was obtained using a YSI-1500L Sport. Linear regression model was used. The average value concerning the 800m performance was 2’02”77 (1’54”31-2’08”52). The mean value for the MBLC achieved in the two speed test was 14.49±1.61 mmol/l, corresponding to a maximal speed of 7.65±0.36 m/s. The mean value for the MBLC achieved in the 800m competition was 15.21±1.59 mmol/l corresponding to a maximal speed of 6.54±0.26 m/s. Regression results (Y=2.5+0.9x) were highly significant (F=29.3, p=0.005), with a r2=80% and a standard error of estimate=0.8 mmol/l. In conclusion, the MBLC determined in the two speed test using 2x300m as running distance, seems to provide a reasonable approach concerning the MBLC achieved in an 800m competition and therefore might be used as an important tool to evaluate the athlete’s anaerobic capacity in training condition.