Performance Parameters

Definition

“Performance parameters” are the stored profile of individual performance values and ranges of an athlete, used to plan, control and evaluate training. They include thresholds, the power, pace and heart rate zones derived from them, and reference values such as maximum and resting heart rate.

A set of performance parameters is always sport-specific. Threshold power on the bike says nothing about threshold pace when running, and heart rate at threshold differs between disciplines by several beats.

Why it matters

Every analysis that works with zones, Intensity Factor, Training Stress Score or load models is only as good as the parameters behind it. A threshold stored 5 % too low makes every base session look harder on paper than it was and systematically overestimates load.

The origin of the values is therefore decisive. Ideally they are determined by a performance diagnostic, such as a metabolic test or lactate step test. A specific field test is less objective. The tests and automatic detections preinstalled on devices do not allow an objective or individual assessment of physiological function.

How obseed measures it

obseed stores performance parameters per sport and with a validity date, so older sessions are evaluated with the values that applied at the time. All zone analyses, Intensity Factor and the load models draw on this profile.

For a complete analysis the set must be complete: thresholds, power and heart rate ranges. Objectively measured values from a diagnostic test take precedence over field-test estimates. A value from a 20-minute test can serve as a stopgap but should be replaced by a measurement at the next opportunity.

Example

An athlete completes a metabolic test on the bike. Results:

VT1 (aerobic threshold)      205 W    138 bpm
VT2 (anaerobic threshold)    282 W    167 bpm
FatMax                       178 W    128 bpm
VO2max                       3.9 l/min (60 ml/min/kg)
HRmax                        186 bpm
HRrest                        46 bpm (morning measurement)

This yields the training ranges:

A 20-minute test a month earlier had produced an FTP of 298 W. With that value the zones would have been set about 6 % too high, and every threshold session would in reality have taken place above threshold.