If you want to understand how quickly lactate is accumulated once intensity exceeds MLSS - than this feature is for you. The accumulation index analysis the steepness of the lactate accumulation curve and aggregates it into one simple number.
What is the Accumulation Index?
Whilst the net lactate accumulation curve provides a detailed analysis of the rate of lactate accumulation, it doesn’t allow to understand on one glance if the lactate accumulation is fast or slow. This makes it difficult to compare test results and track progress.
The accumulation index solves this problem. It analyses the steepness of the lactate accumulation curve at three defined intensities above MLSS. The result is then normalized to a scale of 0 - 100. With 0 being a very steep curve and therefore fast lactate accumulation. The upper value of 100 represents a shallow lactate accumulation curve and therefore slow accumulation. This way you get a standardized single value which describes the speed of lactate accumulation precisely.
The rate of accumulation
The rate or speed at which lactate accumulates when the exercise intensity exceeds MLSS indicates the ability of an athlete to sustain efforts above threshold. The faster lactate accumulates, the earlier the effort will lead to exhaustion. Therefore a slower rate of accumulation of lactate indicates a better resilience to high intense efforts.