INTRODUCTION: Pool testing using blood lactate (BLa) versus swimming velocity (V) relationship is a standard in performance diagnostics of swimmers. We determined lactate threshold (LT) using common analysis techniques hypothesizing that the results will repeat with acceptable accuracy in both test-retest and analysis-to-analysis comparisons. METHODS: The subjects were 30 male and female swimmers. Mean±SD for age was 16.7±3.3 y, stature 1.70±0.08 m and body mass 61.8±6.6 kg. They performed n*100-m swims twice in three days. Four different approaches were applied to define the LT and analyzed from BLa / v curves by two experienced analysts. RESULTS: Linear regressions (R2), Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) connected with two-way ANOVA, and t-test showed that both test-retest reliability and comparability between Dmax and Linear Estimation modes was very high (R2 = 0.85-0.96; ICC = 0.96-0.99; t-tests = N.S.). Differences existed when comparisons were made between modes with fixed BLa. DISCUSSION: We conclude that the test-retest reliability of the n*100-m swimming test was high indicating that the method itself was repeatable and is a useful means of monitoring changes in indicators of physical fitness in swimming. Also the analysis methods were noticed to offer reliable results to be used for prescription of training. In analysisto-analysis comparisons some significant differences existed pointing out the necessity to understand their specific characters. The original speed at which the LT and or the LTind appear depends specifically on the pool test protocol being used.
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