Gx & Lactate Testing Protocols

Blood lactate testing protocols provide insight into how an athlete manages emissions produced by the working muscles during exercise. Similar to the gas exchange exercise test, blood lactate protocols allow us to identify key metabolic thresholds to establish training zones, make appropriate training/exercise recommendations, and track adaptations throughout a season of training.

However, there are several shortcomings when it comes to interpretation of a traditional lactate concentration curve, especially when protocols do not include respiratory gas exchange measurements. A traditional lactate concentration & intensity curve can be misleading, as it does not accurately portray the interaction of one's aerobic and anaerobic capacities. Therefore, to attain an accurate assessment of these capacities, we also measure the maximal lactate production rate (VLamax).

Advanced metabolic calculations and specific protocols are required for detailed results, which is why eLab is partnered with INSCYD. INSCYD is a validated algorithm developed by world-class level coach and physiologist Sebastian Weber, which provides us the tools to analyze the lactate and VO2 data to create a more complete metabolic profile. Methods include a moderate-length step protocol followed by a short-duration VO2max protocol. The optimal protocol is tailored according to the needs of the athlete.

A combined Gx & blood lactate assessment, using INSCYD analytics, measures the following variables:

• Body profile measurement (%body fat)

• VO2 max

• Caloric expenditure and fuel utilization

• Maximal Fat & Carbohydrate burning (Fatmax & Carbmax)

• Training Thresholds for both power, pace and heart rate

• Lactate production rate (VLamax)

• Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS)/Anaerobic Threshold (AT)