en Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology پژوهشي Research Article <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height:2;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><b>Background</b> Optimizing training intensity through the accurate determination of the anaerobic threshold is essential for elite athletes, particularly wrestlers. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the Shortened Dmax method as a non-invasive approach for identifying the heart rate deflection point (HRDP) and estimating the anaerobic threshold in young Iranian national team wrestlers.<br> <b>Methods</b> In a semi-experimental design, seventeen elite male junior wrestlers completed an incremental treadmill test using the Bruce protocol. Heart rate was continuously monitored, and blood lactate concentrations were measured before and after exercise. The HRDP was identified using the Shortened Dmax mathematical model. Regression analyses and graphical outputs were generated using Microsoft Excel.<br> <b>Results</b> The Shortened Dmax method successfully identified a clear HRDP in all participants. Blood lactate levels increased significantly following exercise, supporting the method&rsquo;s consistency with established physiological indicators of anaerobic metabolism.<br> <b>Conclusion</b> The Shortened Dmax method appears to be a valid, practical, and non-invasive alternative for estimating the anaerobic threshold in wrestlers. Its application may enhance training-intensity prescription in combat sports; however, further validation using sport-specific testing protocols is recommended. This method can help prevent overtraining and support cardiovascular health monitoring in elite athletes.</span></span></span></div> Anaerobic threshold, Exercise test, Heart rate, Lactate, Physical exertion, Wrestling 310 315 http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-365-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Amir Hossein Hormati Oughoulbaig Amirhosseinhormati@uma.ac.ir 10031947532846004697 10031947532846004697 Yes Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran Reza Farzizadeh r_farzizadeh@uma.ac.ir 10031947532846004698 10031947532846004698 No Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran Roghayyeh Afroundeh afroundeh@gmail.com 10031947532846004699 10031947532846004699 No Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran Marefat Siahkouhian m_siahkohian@uma.ac.ir 10031947532846004700 10031947532846004700 No Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili , Ardabil, Iran