Final answer:
The statement concerning exceeding VO2 max leading to lactate production by muscle is true. Lactate production occurs during anaerobic glycolysis when intense exercise creates an oxygen deficit in the muscles, resulting in the conversion of pyruvate to lactate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exceeding the VO2 max will indeed result in lactate production by the muscle; therefore, the answer to the question is true. During intense physical exertion, when the body's demand for oxygen exceeds supply, the muscle cells switch from aerobic respiration to anaerobic glycolysis. This process leads to the accumulation of lactate in the muscles because the rate of glycolysis exceeds the rate at which the mitochondria can metabolize pyruvate, leading to the conversion of pyruvate into lactate.
Lactate production is common in scenarios where the muscles run out of oxygen, such as during high-intensity or explosive movements. Although traditionally thought to contribute to muscle fatigue and soreness, lactate is now understood as one of many factors involved in fatigue. Factors such as oxygen delivery, energy availability, and the psychological perception of pain also play significant roles.
Moreover, lactate is not just a by-product; it is also an important source of energy that the body utilizes, especially during the absence of oxygen. Thus, the idea that lactate buildup solely causes muscle fatigue is part of the 'Myth vs. Reality' discussions in modern exercise science.