Lactate testing

A lactate test is an exercise test in which the lactate (or lactic acid) concentration is determined at regular intervals during exercise. A small drop of blood, obtained by a prick in the earlobe (for cycling tests) or fingertip (for running tests), is sufficient to determine the lactate level. This gives us a very good idea of your endurance training status and the way in which you train. In other words, it's a way to evaluate your endurance ('fitness'), and therefore also to estimate your room for progression, as well as what type of training you need to improve.

In addition to a prick in the finger or ear, other parameters are also recorded:
- heart rate (by means of an ECG or a heart rate monitor with chest strap),
- cadence (in case of bicycle test),
- and speed (km/h, in case of a running test) or power (Watt, cycling test).

Good question! An appointment is more than just a lactate test!

We always start with a few questions, primarily regarding your training background and goals.

Subsequently, the actual lactate test takes place. This exercise test is comparable to imaging (e.g., an ultrasound or an X-ray) when you visit a doctor with an injury: the doctor will always start with a few questions, and the subsequent examination is intended to obtain a better understanding of the injury.

After a possible shower (not obligatory of course, you can also take a shower at home) we will proceed with an extensive discussion of the test results, with feedback on your goals, and provide feedback on your goals and guidelines for your training approach.

After a few days, you can expect a thorough and carefully written report of the entire check-up in your mailbox!

Any questions, preferably by email, are always welcome!

Please allow 2 hours for the entire appointment: intake, test, shower (if applicable), and discussion.

Appointments preferably take place on Mondays or Thursdays between 3 and 9 pm.
This can be changed by mutual agreement.

Appointments are usually at Cardiologie Bertem (www.cardiologie-bertem.be). We have a treadmill and facilities for you to take a test on your own bike. We also have a shower and a separate area where we can comfortably discuss the test results in a relaxed atmosphere.

If you wish, you can combine the exercise test with a cardiological examination by doctors Hendrik Celen, Charlien Gabriels (SKA sports physician), or Maarten Pauwelyn.

Running tests on an athletic track are possible as well (e.g., at the Faculty of Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences at KU Leuven, also known as the "Sportkot"). 

That is not necessary nor obligatory .
This does not alter the fact that it is recommended when one or more (cardiovascular) risk factors are present.

Note that there is a difference between a 'sports check-up' and a 'cardiological examination'. A certified sports physician, often a general practitioner specialized in sports medicine, can perform the former. A cardiological examination, on the other hand, can only be performed by a heart specialist, who will examine the heart more thoroughly. However, a sports medical examination covers a broader range of aspects: for example, the musculoskeletal system is also examined for injury prevention. Cardiologists are also authorized to issue sports medical certificates (e.g., for a cycling license).

A cardiological examination is strongly recommended in the following situations:
1. If the athlete has a cardiac history (i.e., is the athlete known to have a heart problem?).
2. Cardiac complaints during or shortly after exercise, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.
3. Cardiac risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or age above 35 years.
4. A cardiac event in a first-degree relative (e.g., myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or sudden death).

- Sporty clothing that allows you to easily run or cycle
- A towel to wipe off sweat during the test
- If desired, a drinking bottle or a bottle of water to use during or after the test
- For the bicycle test in the medical office (with ECG): shoes with flat soles for pedals with straps, and for women, a sports bra
- In case of testing on your own bike: a clean bicycle with a clean chain and your own cycling shoes + if possible, your own heart rate monitor with chest strap
- For running tests: if possible, your own heart rate monitor with chest strap
- Spare clothes and shower equipment (shower available).

To prevent feeling too tired for the test, it's best to avoid any 'extreme' physical exertion the day before your appointment. By 'extreme', we mean exertion that is outside your comfort zone, i.e., something you're not used to. In order for the test to be reliable, it must be representative of your usual activity level.

Prepare for the test like a short, intense workout. Make sure you're not too hungry when you start, but don't eat too much beforehand or it will still be sitting in your stomach.

The total cost for a first appointment is EUR 240 (incl. 21% VAT).
Subsequent appointments cost EUR 200 (incl. VAT).
Note:
- there is no intervention by the health insurance fund for this type of tests;
- the above prices do not include the costs of any additional medical examinations (for which reimbursement is provided).

Regardless of what is meant by the term 'amateurs' or 'recreational' sports participants, it is safe to say that a lactate test can be useful for athletes of all performance levels.

For advanced athletes, a lactate test will provide different information: for them it is more about 'fine tuning' and 'peaking' (performing) at the desired moment.

For athletes with less of a training background, such a 'sports check-up', as we often call it, can be very illuminating and provide new insights into their training approach in general.

For absolute beginners, a lactate test is often overkill. Simpler tests are available for them, even if testing endurance is important to them; however, this can be useful for measuring future progress. In the initial stages, but also in later stages, a sports advice consultation (60 EUR, incl. VAT), without additional testing, is often recommended.

No!
An effort test is not an exam. An effort test is meant to determine whether you're 'on track' and whether we need to adjust your training program.

If your fitness level is 'good' according to the test, that's certainly great; the bad news, however, is often that you can only make limited progress. If your endurance isn't quite as good yet, that's also good news: it shows that you still have plenty of room for improvement .

Both the test and the intake provide a wealth of information, and the conclusions are usually very nuanced. Just as almost everyone has areas for improvement, everyone also deserves a sincere pat on the back!