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

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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