What is involved in the lactate threshold test?

The test takes place in our Sports Science laboratory in Portarlington, Co. Laois. Runners are assessed on the treadmill, cyclists are assessed on the WATT bike. The individual undergoes an appropriate warm up. The intensity of exercise then increases every 3-5 minutes until lactate threshold is reached.The test finishes with an appropriate cool down. This actual test protocol is determined by the sports science tester on the day of testing. The starting speed and duration and intensity of each stage is dependent on the conditioning of the individual. This is not a maximal effort test and so it should not interfere with your training because recovery time is quick. This test can be progressed to a maximal effort test if you would like to obtain your heart rate max and estimated VO2max. This information can also be incorporated into programme design.