How lactate test analysis works
Good analysis is more than a 4 mmol/L point. It checks curve shape, compares methods, separates LT1 and LT2 and shows when a result is reliable.
Several threshold models
Log-Poly-ModDmax, Modified Dmax, Dmax, Dickhuth, Delta and Mader are made comparable instead of hidden as magic.
Data quality before result
A smooth curve, plausible stages and realistic values matter more than a falsely precise single number.
LT1 and LT2 separated
Endurance training and threshold training need different markers, so aerobic and anaerobic thresholds are handled separately.
Limits stay visible
Sampling errors, outliers, short stages or a poor start intensity can shift results. Honest analysis shows these limits.
What "scientific" means here
The app should not pretend absolute certainty. It makes calculations traceable and shows which parameters can be derived from your step test.
View methods in detailMethodology cluster for users and search engines
This page is the trust layer behind the core analysis page. It explains why the analysis is not just a table, but a transparent methodological process.
Important limits
Training recommendations are not a medical diagnosis. Protocol, hydration, temperature, nutrition, meter, blood sample and stage duration can all affect the result.
Read disclaimerFrequently asked questions
Which methods does the lactate test analysis use?
LactateThreshold compares several models, including Log-Poly-ModDmax, Modified Dmax, Dmax, Dickhuth, Delta and Mader. The exact selection depends on data quality and curve shape.
Why is method comparison better than one threshold value?
Lactate curves are individual. A method comparison shows whether different models converge or whether the result is uncertain.
Can online analysis replace a sports lab?
It can structure valid measurements and make them useful for training. It does not replace medical diagnostics and is only as good as the protocol, meter and data entry.
What role does LT1 play?
LT1 is central for endurance and Zone 2 training. Many simple analyses focus only on LT2 or 4 mmol/L and miss the most important range for aerobic development.
How accurate are home lactate meters, and what does that mean for my thresholds?
Portable meters can read systematically higher or lower than a lab analyzer, and single readings scatter. The analysis therefore recalculates thresholds 500 times with device-typical noise and shows a range instead of one falsely exact number. When two tests are compared, error propagation checks whether the change is bigger than that noise.
What makes a home step test good enough to analyze?
Stages of 3 to 5 minutes, a start intensity that is truly easy, even steps, a clean blood sample at the end of every stage and enough stages for lactate to rise clearly. Values outside the plausible range are flagged and curve quality (R²) is shown. The most common errors are listed in the lactate test mistakes guide.
Understand the methodology, analyze your values
The best check is your own dataset: enter step-test values and compare methods directly.