Laktatröskel

Laktatröskel, often translated as lactate threshold, refers to a specific intensity of exercise at which lactic acid begins to accumulate in the bloodstream faster than it can be cleared. During low to moderate intensity exercise, the body produces lactic acid as a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, but it is efficiently removed or converted back into energy. As exercise intensity increases, the rate of lactate production surpasses this clearance rate, leading to a rise in blood lactate concentration.

This point is a crucial physiological marker for endurance athletes. It indicates the highest sustainable exercise intensity before fatigue sets in rapidly due to lactate buildup and associated changes in muscle acidity. Training at or near the lactate threshold can improve the body's ability to clear lactate and utilize it as fuel, thereby increasing the duration an athlete can sustain a high intensity of effort.

Determining an individual's lactate threshold typically involves graded exercise testing, where exercise intensity is progressively increased while blood lactate levels are monitored. This information can then be used to design more effective and personalized training programs aimed at improving aerobic capacity and performance. It is distinct from the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), which represents the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise.