Lactate level test
introduction
The lactate level test is one of the most important measuring methods for determining endurance performance and is used for optimal training planning. Due to the relatively high effort, the lactate level test is practiced almost exclusively in performance-oriented sport.
The test is used to create an individual training plan by determining the values of aerobic and anaerobic endurance skills. These values provide information about the training intensity. The lactate level test is carried out on a treadmill, a bicycle ergometer, rowing ergometer or a field test. As a rule, the loads are increased between 4 and 6 levels. Trained endurance athletes increase the speed by 0.25 m / s, sprinters up to 0.5 m / s per step.
What is being measured?
At a Lactate level test will the Lactate levels and Heart rate determined for different types of stress. The training load is increased continuously and evenly at specified intervals. In each load level the Lactate value and the heart rate accurately noted. The exercise intensities at the aerobic and anaerobic thresholds can be read off in a lactate performance curve. Because the individual anaerobic threshold represents the best unit for training control, athletes know through the test about the exact intensity that must be used in training.
Definitions
aerobic endurance
Aerobic endurance is the level of performance that the human organism can achieve without the lactate (the salt of lactic acid) being produced.
Definition of aerobic threshold
The aerobic threshold is approx. 2mmol / L., And defines the load condition in which the required energy is completely covered by the aerobic metabolism.
Definition of anaerobic endurance ability
Anaerobic endurance is the level of performance that the human organism can achieve with the accumulation of lactate. This lactate accumulates in the muscle cells.
Definition of anaerobic threshold
The anaerobic threshold is about 4mmol / L. The energy required is controlled by aerobic and anaerobic processes. The resulting lactate is eliminated so that the value levels off around 4 mmol / l.
Test execution
The athlete completed a Warm-up program optionally on the training device or in the field. The lactate level test begins with a specified light intensity, every 5 minutes the intensity is increased by a certain value. This is particularly easy to control with a bicycle ergometer or a treadmill. A certain distance must be covered in a certain time on the track. Be at the end of each load level Lactate value and Heart rate written down. Lactate is determined by drawing blood from the earlobe. Since blood is used, special hygiene is required. At the end of the test, the lactate values are entered in a coordinate system (see below), and the lactate curve is obtained. In a field test, the levels are divided into intervals (e.g. 6x 400m) with increasing walking speed.
Procedure for the lactate level test
A lactate level test is carried out on the rowing ergometer, bicycle ergometer or on the treadmill, depending on the athlete's discipline.
Depending on the measurement method different load levels Are defined. In the course of the examination, the load is increased step by step, after each step the Lactate level in capillary blood to determine. To do this, the examiner takes a minimal amount of blood from the test person Earlobe or finger.
The results are entered in a diagram and describe the Lactate curvethat is evaluated. In many cases, the Increase in heart rate measured.
Evaluation of the lactate level test
Based on the lactate curve, the examiner can now identify the individual Anaerobic threshold determine up to what load the Training intensity maintained without increasing acidity of the organism.
The lactate fortification is responsible for that fatigue during training. Here the "Lactate threshold" identified the point at which one significant increase in lactate was measured.
The Anaerobic threshold describes the performance under long-term stress Balance between lactate formation and lactate breakdown and there is no over-acidification.
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Analysis of the lactate level test
In the analysis of the lactate level test, the points in the coordinate system are evaluated.
The figure clearly shows that the lactate curve in a trained athlete rises later. This means that the lactate concentration only increases with higher loads.
As can be seen in the figure above, 2 lactate curves are drawn. An untrained athlete reaches the anaerobic threshold, which is decisive for training design, with a lower load. This means that the trained athlete can run at a higher speed without any problems, while the untrained athlete has long since become hyperacid with the same load. The stress is the same for both athletes, but the stresses are different.
Treadmills and ergometers
Whether a lactate level test is carried out on the treadmill or on the ergometer depending on the profile of the subject.
Endurance athletes, especially a lot Running training complete their performance on the Treadmill get tested. Depending on the device, the stages of the test are defined differently. The treadmill runs at a speed of 4-6 km / h and an increase of 1-2 km / h started, on the bike you start with 25 watts and an increase of 25 watts. The stages take 3 to 5 minutes to reach full capacity.
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Lactate level test cost
In addition to the lactate level test, many sports centers also conduct examinations of certain blood values and provide detailed advice based on the results. The prices vary depending on the center between 75 and 150€. The costs are usually not covered by the health insurance.
