From the Guidelines
A VO2 max study alone cannot directly identify lactate threshold, but it can estimate ventilatory threshold, which is a related but distinct measure. While both tests measure aspects of cardiorespiratory fitness, they assess different physiological parameters. A VO2 max test measures maximal oxygen consumption during increasing exercise intensity, while lactate threshold specifically identifies the point at which lactate begins to accumulate in the bloodstream faster than it can be cleared 1. To determine lactate threshold accurately, blood samples must be taken during exercise to measure blood lactate concentrations at various intensities. However, some advanced VO2 max testing protocols can estimate ventilatory threshold by analyzing gas exchange data for breakpoints in ventilation and carbon dioxide production, which correlates reasonably well with lactate threshold but is not the same 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Ventilatory threshold (VT) is a submaximal index of aerobic capacity, defined by the exercise level at which ventilation begins to increase exponentially relative to the increase in V˙ O2 1.
- VT usually occurs at approximately 45% to 65% of measured peak or maximal V˙ O2 in healthy untrained subjects, but can occur at a higher percentage of exercise capacity in endurance-trained individuals 1.
- Exercise training has been shown to increase V˙ O2 at the VT to a degree that is generally reflective of submaximal cardiovascular effort 1.
- The terms anaerobic threshold, VT, and lactate threshold are commonly used interchangeably, but should be considered different but related events 1.
For precise lactate threshold determination, a specific lactate threshold test with blood sampling remains the gold standard. Athletes and coaches seeking accurate lactate threshold data should request a dedicated lactate threshold test rather than relying solely on VO2 max testing.
From the Research
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2 max) and Lactate Threshold
- A maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) study can be related to lactate threshold, as both are important parameters in exercise physiology 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Lactate threshold is the point at which the rate of lactate production exceeds the rate of lactate removal, resulting in an accumulation of lactate in the blood 3
- VO2 max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise, and it is an indicator of aerobic fitness 2, 5, 6
Relationship Between VO2 max and Lactate Threshold
- Studies have shown that there is a correlation between VO2 max and lactate threshold, with higher VO2 max values associated with higher lactate threshold values 2, 4, 5
- The lactate threshold can be estimated using ventilatory threshold, which is the point at which ventilation increases disproportionately to oxygen uptake 3, 4
- However, the relationship between VO2 max and lactate threshold is not always straightforward, and other factors such as training status and individual variability can influence the relationship 5, 6
Methods for Determining Lactate Threshold
- Lactate threshold can be determined using various methods, including blood lactate measurements, ventilatory threshold, and heart rate monitoring 2, 3, 4
- Each method has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of method depends on the specific research question and population being studied 3, 4
- Some studies have used a combination of methods to determine lactate threshold, such as using both blood lactate measurements and ventilatory threshold 2, 5