Lactate Threshold and VO2 Max Package

This package includes the lactate threshold and VO2MAX tests as described below. This is generally considered as the gold standard baseline test for endurance athletes of all levels to structure and monitor training methods. The quality of steady-state data from lactate threshold testing provides precision in individualised training zone demarcations, whilst maximal responses to exercise are attained following VO2MAX testing protocols. The data is collected over two separate tests to enable the best maximal effort performance, with sufficient rest between protocols to ensure performance is not compromised by accumulated fatigue. However, these tests could be booked for separate days upon request. Data from both tests will be integrated into a single report for bespoke training guidance.

VO2 Max Test

This exercise test-to-exhaustion can be performed on a treadmill, cycle ergometer, or a rowing machine. Exercise intensity increases with increments every minute for approximately 8-12 minutes until a maximum velocity or power output is attained. Data collected includes oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production, using research-grade, state-of-the-art, metabolic analysers to determine cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic thresholds, and substrate utilisation. Furthermore, heart rate and indices of breathing patterns and ventilatory efficiency are collected. These outcomes provide individually tailored feedback on health and performance indicators, as well as enabling guidance for optimising training purposes. You will be provided with a bespoke scientific report to put your results into age, sex, and sporting discipline contexts, as well as receive evidence-based training guidance from the Oriam Clinic Sport and Exercise Sciences team at Heriot-Watt University.

Lactate Threshold Test

This is a submaximal exercise test that provides a wealth of high-quality data to inform your endurance performance and training. Similar to the VO2MAX test, exercise can be conducted on a range of exercise equipment, with metabolic, heart rate and ventilatory data collected using research-grade equipment to deliver you reliable data to support your training and competition. The advantages of a lactate threshold include a longer test duration, including 4-minute stages before stepwise increases in intensity, as well as the direct measures of blood lactate, revealing distinct metabolic thresholds and exercise training zones with a higher degree of accuracy. Individualised training zones are more representative of steady-state exercise than with a VO2MAX test, making them more suitable for longer distance runners and more able to detect changes from pre- and post-intervention, such as training blocks. Data will be reported clearly in written format with detailed graphical illustrations and comparisons to normative datasets. Bespoke reports will provide evidence-based guidance for optimising your training and preparation for upcoming competitions and events.