[Jackie]

Hello. Uphill athlete uses the heart rate drift test to determine the aerobic threshold (top heart rate of zone 2). The methodology seems quite functional and logical, and likely better than pre-existing formulas found online. What scientific evidence supports this method? Typically, the aerobic threshold is determined by when blood lactate levels significantly rise above resting levels. Does Uphill Athlete have any data showing that the aerobic heart rate threshold obtained from their test corresponds to this lactate-induced threshold? I couldn’t find any research literature demonstrating a connection between the aerobic threshold and cardiac drift.

Topic

[Jane Mackay]

Jane Mackay on March 15, 2024 at 2:28 am #85622

Hi Jackie,
Good question.
In the early years, the HR drift test was administered, interpreted, and evaluated for hundreds of athletes and found to correlate very closely to the laboratory-administered gas exchange test (GET).
If you’re interested in a deeper understanding (and more science), in these two podcast episodes the co-founder of UA, Scott Johnston, discusses all of this:

Talking Metabolic Testing with Director of Sports Performance at UC Davis, Judd Van Sickle

Phil Maffetone Talks Health, Training, and Aerobic Deficiency with Scott Johnston

Let me know if you have more questions.
Jane

[Jane Mackay]

Jane Mackay on March 15, 2024 at 2:35 am #85624

If you want to self-test using a handheld blood lactate meter, this article provides guidance: https://uphillathlete.com/aerobic-training/blood-lactate-test-protocol-tips-and-tricks/