title: A comparison of methods for estimating the lactate threshold.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of tests that may be used by distance runners to estimate the lactate threshold. Competitive distance runners/triathletes (N = 27) performed a criterion test that directly measured (blood lactate of 4.0 mmol.L(-1)) the lactate threshold. Subjects then performed 4 tests (VDOT, 3,200-m time trial, 30-minute time trial, Conconi) that estimate the threshold. Mean estimations of the running velocity at the lactate threshold from the 30-minute time trial (standard error of the estimate, SEE, 0.21 m.s(-1)) and VDOT (SEE 0.41 m.s(-1)) methods did not differ (P>0.05) from the criterion. In terms of heart rate, the 30-minute time trial estimation did not significantly differ (SEE 8.0 b.min(-1)) from criterion. These findings suggest that the 30-minute time-trial method should be considered by coaches and distance runners/triathletes as a method for estimating both the running velocity and heart rate at the lactate threshold.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise and Sport Science, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McGehee
authors.forename: Charles J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Houmard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid