FaCT Lactate Balance Point Test

$150

Blood lactate offers endurance athletes a crucial look at their current fitness and athletic potential. This test will provide the necessary components to assess current form and fitness and create training zones based on heart rate, speed and power.

This test was once only available to elite athletes, but now all athletes can obtain this data to increase the effectiveness of their training. If you use a structured training program based on training zones, this is the best measure to accurately create your zones.

What is Blood Lactate?

Lactate is a metabolic product, which is produced in the muscle cells during exercise, that can be measured by taking a drop of blood at a fingertip the same way diabetics monitor their blood sugar level. The blood lactate level increases with exercise intensity and shows clearly the transition from aerobic to anaerobic activity.

Blood Lactate Test: Lactate balance point is the intensity ( Heart rate , wattage or pace) at which lactate begins to accumulate in the blood faster than it can be metabolized by your body. The accumulation of blood lactate begins when the body can no longer meet energy demands aerobically and increases its reliance on the glycogen energy source which correlates with fatigue in the body. The only way to measure this is by blood analysis.

There are two components to the (Feldmann and Chlebek Test) FaCT test protocol:

A: The Performance Line (or step test) is used to compare performance changes over time. It can also be used to determine the effectiveness of a particular training program and allow the athlete to make necessary changes to continue improve their performance.

B: The LBP (lactate balance point) is the determination of the body’s ability to balance the production of lactate in working muscles, with its clearance by the body.

Using the FaCT protocol, the blood lactate test may be performed on a Computrainer for cycling or on a treadmill for running athletes. For the cycle test, wattage and heart rate at threshold will be provided. For running, speed and heart rate at threshold will be provided.

Pretest instructions:

  • Treat the test as a “race”
  • Hydrate well before test, no big meals 3 hours prior to the test.
  • Be well rested, adequate sleep (6-8 hours) and no strenuous physical activity the day before.
  • Record weight, age and resting heart rate.
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the test.
  • Approximated length of test: one hour