Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Lactate Threshold Field Test: Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, October 23, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/lactate-threshold-field-test/
Updated: ·
Measures: Anaerobic threshold speed/power, blood lactate response
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Hard | Category: Aerobic
Protocol
The Lactate Threshold Field Test aims to determine anaerobic threshold speed by measuring blood lactate concentration at progressively increasing exercise intensity stages. It is a field adaptation of laboratory lactate testing. Preparation: The blood lactate meter is calibrated. The participant avoids high carbohydrate intake and intense exercise for 24 hours before the test. Warm-up: 10–15 minutes of easy running. Fingertip disinfectant, lancing device, and test strips are kept ready. Protocol: A 4–6 stage progressive intensity protocol is applied. Each stage lasts 4–5 minutes at a constant pace. At the end of each stage, running is stopped and a capillary blood sample is taken from the fingertip within 30 seconds. Running speeds are selected based on individual fitness level (e.g., 10–16 km/h range with 1–2 km/h increments). Data Analysis: Lactate values (mmol/L) are plotted against speed. Multiple methods can be used to identify the threshold: 1) Fixed 4 mmol/L threshold (OBLA), 2) Dmax method (maximum deviation point on the curve), 3) Point of sudden lactate increase. LT1 ≈ 2 mmol/L (aerobic threshold), LT2 ≈ 4 mmol/L (anaerobic threshold). Calculation: LT2 speed (km/h or m/min) is used for calculating training pace zones. Individual training zones are restructured based on this threshold. Post-Test: Cool-down run is performed. All lactate and speed data are entered into Excel or lactate analysis software.Formula
LT2 speed = speed at the Dmax point or at 4 mmol/L (km/h)
Equipment Required
track or flat road, blood lactate analyser, lancing device, test strips, GPS watch or speed monitor
Normative Values (Age: endurance athletes)
| Classification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | LT2 >16 km/h | LT2 >14 km/h |
| Good | LT2 13-16 km/h | LT2 11-14 km/h |
| Average | LT2 10-13 km/h | LT2 8-11 km/h |
| Below Average | LT2 7-10 km/h | LT2 5-8 km/h |
| Poor | LT2 <7 km/h | LT2 <5 km/h |
Practical Applications
The lactate threshold test provides critical data for half-marathon and marathon training pace planning, triathlete segment analysis, and determination of intensity zones for elite runners.Limitations
Blood sampling and measurement accuracy require technical experience. Dehydration may elevate lactate values. The test protocol involves multiple variables requiring standardization.Related Tests: Conconi Test, Blood Lactate Step Test, FTP Test
Sources: Sjodin B & Jacobs I, 1981, Int J Sports Med; Faude O et al., 2009, Sports Med
References
- Sjödin B, Jacobs I. (1981). Onset of blood lactate accumulation and marathon running performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2(1): 23–26. doi:10.1055/s-2008-1034579
- Faude O, Kindermann W, Meyer T. (2009). Lactate threshold concepts: how valid are they? Sports Medicine, 39(6): 469–490. doi:10.2165/00007256-200939060-00003
- Cheng B, Kuipers H, Snyder AC, Keizer HA, Jeukendrup A, Hesselink M. (1992). A new approach for the determination of ventilatory and lactate thresholds. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 13(7): 518–522. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1021309
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Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Key Facts
Protocol The Lactate Threshold Field Test aims to determine anaerobic threshold speed by measuring blood lactate concentration at progressively increasing exercise intensity stages. It is a field adaptation of laboratory lactate testing. Preparation: The blood lactate meter is calibrated. The participant avoids high carbohydrate intake and intense exercise for 24 hours before the test. Warm-up: 10–15 minutes of easy running. Fingertip disinfectant, lancing device, and test strips are kept ready. Protocol: A 4–6 stage progressive intensity protocol is applied. Each stage lasts 4–5 minutes at a constant pace. At the end of each stage, running is stopped and a capillary blood sample is taken from the fingertip within 30 seconds. Running speeds are selected based on individual fitness level (e.g., 10–16 km/h range with 1–2 km/h increments). Data Analysis: Lactate values (mmol/L) are plotted against speed. Multiple methods can be used to identify the threshold: 1) Fixed 4 mmol/L threshold (OBLA), 2) Dmax method (maximum deviation point on the curve), 3) Point of sudden lactate increase. LT1 ≈ 2 mmol/L (aerobic threshold), LT2 ≈ 4 mmol/L (anaerobic threshold). Calculation: LT2 speed (km/h or m/min) is used for calculating training pace zones. Individual training zones are restructured based on this threshold. Post-Test: Cool-down run is performed. All lactate and speed data are entered into Excel or lactate analysis software. Formula
LT2 speed = speed at the Dmax point or at 4 mmol/L (km/h)
Equipment Required
track or flat road, blood lactate analyser, lancing device, test strips, GPS watch or speed monitor
