Method for Determining the Lactate Anaerobic Threshold during the Shuttle Run Test

The aim of the study was to determine the lactate anaerobic threshold (LT2) in elite football players during the submaximal multistage shuttle run test. In total, 126 elite football players took part in the study. During the test and the recovery period monitoring of heart rate, running speed, and lactate concentration was performed. To assess the level of LT2 the method of fixed determination of lactate level (La 4 mmol/L) and the Dmod method (LT2 Dmod) were used. It was found that there is a correlation between heart rate and running speed at the level of La 4 mmol/L and LT2 Dmod. Players who achieve higher speeds on LT2 Dmod (m/s) have a lower lactate concentration in the second minute of recovery. Players whose lactate concentration was lower in the second minute of recovery were characterized by a lower heart rate in the first minute of recovery. Players with a higher heart rate in the first minute of recovery have a higher heart rate at the level of LT2 Dmod. The results of the study confirm the possibility of using submaximal shuttle run tests to determine the anaerobic threshold of athletes.