Aerobic and glycolytic metabolism in arm exercise

Eight kayakers (K) and 3 sedentary subjects (S) performed arm cranking and pedaling while erect or supine at each of several work loads from submaximal to the highest they could sustain for 2 min and for intervals varying from 10 s to 5 min. From measurements of V̇O₂ and blood lactate concentration, the aerobic and glycolytic energy release in arm work was assessed. For steady-state aerobic work all subjects had a mechanical efficiency averaging 0.24 independent of posture or exercise mode. Per unit fat-free limb volume, arm V̇O₂max of group K was 1.5-fold that of group S, whereas leg V̇O₂max was the same in each group. Compared to group S, glycolytic arm work in group K was characterized by: 1) higher thresholds for release of lactate at the onset of submaximal work, 2) lower blood lactate concentrations during comparable absolute or relative submaximal work, 3) higher conventional anaerobic thresholds for absolute, but not relative work loads, 4) higher maximal rates of lactate release, and 5) the same maximal blood lactate concentrations. Measurement of the early lactate threshold, which occurred at considerably lower arm work loads than did anaerobic threshold, but which was greatly increased by specific muscle training, may provide a simple, sensitive, and nontraumatic evaluation of muscle training.