What is the effect of a higher lactate threshold on athletic performance?

A higher lactate threshold is a critical indicator of athletic performance, especially in endurance sports. When an athlete has a higher lactate threshold, it means that they can exercise at a greater intensity before lactic acid begins to accumulate in the muscles and bloodstream. This delayed onset of lactic acid build-up allows athletes to maintain a higher intensity for longer durations without experiencing the debilitating muscle fatigue that accompanies lactate accumulation.

As the body works to sustain higher intensities, it relies more on aerobic metabolism, which is more efficient and can produce energy without the rapid accumulation of lactate. Therefore, athletes who possess a higher lactate threshold are able to push their limits, improving performance in events that require sustained efforts.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the impact of a higher lactate threshold on performance. Increased muscle fatigue would typically arise from a lower threshold, not a higher one. A higher lactate threshold is associated with improved cardiovascular efficiency, not a decrease. Lastly, energy transfer during workouts becomes more efficient with a proper lactate threshold, indicating that the athlete can utilize oxygen more effectively for energy production.