Data Samples (Graphs):

• Full Fact Test (HL)
• Heart Rate Test (H)
• Changes in H test over time
• Lactate Test (L) for determining Lactate Balance Point (LBP)
• Classic Lactate Test
• Influence of different diets on the Classic Lactate Test
• Influence of different diets on the Fact Test
• Influence of fatigue and recovery on the Fact Test

These complete fact tests consist of two parts: (the two parts can be done as separate tests or together in one session)

1) Step test of Speed or Wattage versus Heart Rate.

This part of the test has a fairly linear section. This part of the test is used to compare performance changes over time. Refer to graph 3, you can see at a glance how the athlete has improved his performance over the years. This test must always be done on the same equipment identically set up in order to make the comparison.

2) Lactate Balance Point test.

This part of the test is the 'curve' of Lactate versus Heart Rate which is plotted on the same graph as the line. This curve (unlike the traditional lactate step test shown in graph 5) actually checks the progress of lactate clearance.

Notes:

Graph 5 is a classic lactate step test. Each lactate measurement is taken at the end of each increasing step. On this curve it is impossible to make any conclusion as to lactate threshold as is traditionally done. Often the value of 4mmol/l is taken as the lactate threshold. The 4mmol/l is a statistical average, individually the lactate threshold is somewhere between 3 and 5. In the example this is anywhere between 170 and 183. However, the classic test is affected by outside factors. Refer to graph 6. This is an overlap of two classic tests for the same athlete. Test A follows 3 days of a carbohydrate rich diet and test B follows three days of a carbohydrate low diet. The two tests would give dramatically different results for the lactate threshold if the statistical value of 4mmol/l were used. Graph 7 shows an overlap of two FACT tests for the same athlete after the same diets (the Lactate Clearance test was conducted after the initial step test as usual). The Lactate Balance Point for the two curves are essentially the same even though the curves are at a different level due to the differing diets.

The Lactate Balance Point Heart Rate may change with training. It usually will increase as the athlete becomes more fit, however, fatigue can produce a drop in the LBP heart rate (graph 8). The LBP heart rate is depressed by a high intensity effort such as a race. After a hard race the LBP will be significantly lower and takes 2-3 days to recover to the pre-race level.

The FaCT test is offered at FaCT Test Centers listed on the Test Centers page. FaCT Test Certification courses are offered at various FaCT Education Centers. Contact us for details.