Lactate Profiling

The lactate profile involves 6 to 7 x 3 minute stages. Using a bike each stage increases the work load by 30 watts of power starting at 160 watts. Using a treadmill each stage involves both an increase in running pace and run elevation. The aim of this test is to gradually increase the demands placed on the body and take blood samples at the end of each stage therefore giving us a blood lactate concentration at these work loads. This test is not done to exhaustion but will seem quite a high intensity by the final stage.
The Lactate Profile will give you data on the following:

Blood Lactate Concentrations
Blood Lactate Determined Training Zones
Heart Rate Ranges for each Training Zone
Oxygen Uptake Profile
Fuel Utilisation

Lactate Profiling; lactate is produced continuously by the body as a waste product of metabolism. Any lactic acid formed during light exercise is rapidly oxidised so lactic acid levels remain stable although oxygen consumption increases. Lactic acid begins to accumulate and rise in an exponential manor at about 55% of an untrained subject’s maximum capacity for aerobic metabolism. This is due to the relative tissue hypoxia at this higher intensity. At this stage energy demands are being partially met by anaerobic glycolysis. This pattern is essentially the similar for the trained athlete except the threshold for lactate build up is at higher exercise intensity.

This accumulation of lactate is known as the anaerobic threshold or more precisely the lactate threshold. The reduction in lactate production in the trained athlete may be due in part to:-

a more rapid rate of removal
capillary density and size
increased number of mitochondria with endurance training
increase in the concentration of enzymes
increase in the carriers associated with aerobic metabolism

These adaptations enhance the bodies capacity to generate ATP aerobically, so extending the percentage of the individuals exercise capacity that can be sustained before the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA).

Lactate measurements are taken along with heart rate measurements to indicate training intensities to athletes. It is the point at which lactate production rises exponentially that limits the use an individual can make of their aerobic capacity. For most athletes this point is usually reached at about 50% to 60% of VO2 max. By training at the correct intensity this point can be shifted to 85% or more of VO2 max. For trained individuals over the age of 30 there is usually a 0.46 ml/min/kg decrease in VO2 max each year. At best this decline can be halted or slowed. Over the age of 50 this decline increases.

For endurance athletes this information about training levels and intensities removes the guess work from training. It is of most value when you also know your VO2 max.

N.B. Although a single test will give you valuable information the greatest benefit is achieved when periodic repeat tests are carried out e.g. pre-season, mid-season, and end of season.

10% discount is offered on all prices for pre-booked repeat tests during a 12 month period.