Lactate test
What is a lactate test?
A lactate test is a maximal effort test used to determine your personal training zones. Through a small prick in your earlobe, we measure the lactate levels in your blood at regular intervals during the test.
How quickly the lactate levels rise during the test provides insight into the development of your fitness. The results allow us to answer questions such as:
- Do you have a solid base level of fitness?
- In which heart rate zone should you train to improve your fitness?
- How long can you train in the ‘red’ zone?
- What is your lactate threshold?
- What is your ideal pace for a (long-distance) race?
How does a lactate test work?
Intake
Beforehand, an intake interview takes place in which your medical history, health, goals, and sports performance are discussed, and the test protocol is explained.
The lactate test
After this conversation, the lactate test begins. It is conducted on a treadmill. During the test, the resistance or running speed is increased every few minutes.
Review of test results
Once the measurements are taken and the test is completed, the results are reviewed together and a final report is prepared. Based on this report, personalized training advice is provided.
What else should you know
This test is useful for both recreational and competitive athletes who want a clearer understanding of their aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. Through the blood measurements, optimal training zones and pacing strategies for competition can be determined accurately.
The exercises are tailored to your specific condition and ability. We always go through these exercises with you, provide tips for proper execution, and make adjustments when necessary.
The test costs 140 euros. This includes the lactate measurement and a detailed report for you to take home.
A lactate test provides insight into:
- How to improve your fitness
- Correct pacing strategies during training or competition
- Precisely setting your athletic goals
- Which training zones are best for you
A lactate test is a maximal exercise test and is generally safe when performed under professional supervision. As with any maximal effort test, mild side effects may occur, such as temporary fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or muscle soreness after the test. The small finger or earlobe prick may cause brief discomfort and, in rare cases, a small bruise.
Although complications are rare, serious risks can occur during maximal exercise testing, including fainting, cardiac rhythm disturbances, chest pain, or—in very rare cases—cardiovascular events.
To minimize these risks, patients are required to complete a pre-participation medical screening questionnaire, which you can find in the next question, prior to testing. If indicated, referral to a sports physician or cardiologist may be advised before performing the test.
Because this is a maximal effort test, a sports medical health certificate or competition license must be obtained beforehand. You can get this certificate via the website https://www.sportkeuring.be/.
If you receive a green result, no further examination is needed, and you can schedule your test.
An orange result indicates a possible risk, and it is recommended to first undergo a sports medical check-up with a sports physician.
If you receive a red result, you are required to obtain approval and bring it with you to your appointment.