Input data
A typical cycling step test contains 6 to 9 stages. For each stage you need power, lactate and optionally heart rate.
- Stages 1-2: low lactate values and a stable aerobic range
- Stages 3-4: first relevant rise, often close to LT1
- Stages 5-6: steeper rise, threshold range and LT2
Interpretation
The analysis should not focus only on the highest value. The important signal is the curve shape and where the slope changes.
- LT1 helps define Zone 2 precisely
- LT2 guides threshold training and pacing
- Method comparison shows how stable the threshold estimate is