Minimally-Invasive Realtime Assessment of Continuous Lactate in Exercise

Minimally-Invasive Realtime Assessment of Continuous Lactate in Exercise

Lactate is a compound produced as a by-product of glycolysis. The increase in lactate concentration can result from a variety of causes, such as during anaerobic metabolism in exercise or haemodynamic shock in conditions such as sepsis.

The study will aim to validate a novel microneedle-based minimally invasive device for the continuous measurement of lactate during exercise.

Lactate is a compound produced as a by-product of glycolysis. The increase in lactate concentration can result from a variety of causes, such as during anaerobic metabolism in exercise. The measurement of blood lactate during exercise has been routinely used to determine individual anaerobic thresholds, and optimise training in athletes.

The measurement of the lactate trend requires multiple blood tests, and this can be uncomfortable. The need for repeated procedures may therefore restrict the full utility of the biomarker. Although point-of-care lactate measurements are possible, the barriers to initiating testing may also limit its role in clinical decision-making.

The aim of the study is the validation of the microneedle-based lactate biosensor for real-time continuous lactate measurement in healthy volunteers during exercise as proof-of-concept.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Consenting adults ≥ 18 years old
2. Healthy with no other previous medical history
3. Able to perform moderately intensive exercise without difficulty for at least 30 minutes continuously, and engages in regular aerobic exercise at least twice a week

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active inflammatory skin condition such as eczema or dermatitis
2. Active soft tissue infection or infection at any site
3. Known hypersensitivity to any microneedle component or dressings
4. Presence of any implantable electronic devices such as a pacemaker or stimulators