The Interplay of VO2max, FTP & VLamax
Why is it important to discover what lies beneath the “functional threshold power (FTP)” also known as the anaerobic threshold (AT)? Understanding the mechanisms of the anaerobic threshold is where the real enlightenment begins when it comes to training. As shown below, the performance of an athlete for targeted events can be very different despite having similar power output at the anaerobic threshold. Upregulating or downregulating the fat metabolic pathways, or the glycolytic (lactate) pathways can affect not only where the AT falls relative to VO2max, but also provides the coach and athlete the fine points such as fueling requirements and stamina at workloads below the AT.
Metabolic testing reveals these other critical components, maximal fat burn (FATmax), the glycolytic capacity (lactate production rate VLamax), and VO2max. The VLamax and FATmax, in particular, are unable to be “predicted” simply by analyzing efforts pulled from training and racing, or a single 60’ field test.
In conclusion, due to this interplay of physiological variables, we measure the full spectrum to assess the metabolic profile and apply them to training for improved performance. Furthermore, this very complete set of results allows the athlete to track training outcomes at various points in the season.
The figure below shows how FTP, or anaerobic threshold, alone does not reveal the entire metabolic picture.
Image & content courtesy of INSCYD