HRV-based aerobic threshold estimation: new paper

Blog post by Marco Altini


​A few weeks ago we discussed a new HRV-based approach to estimate the aerobic threshold. A new paper from Bruce Rogers and Thomas Gronwald validates the method with respect to VT1

The paper is titled: "A New Detection Method Defining the Aerobic Threshold for Endurance Exercise and Training Prescription Based on Fractal Correlation Properties of HRV" and shows some neat data (male participants only), see for example VT1 vs DFA alpha 1 in the image below

You can find the full text of the paper at this link

Two methods to try it yourself

1) fit file and colab code:

You can try this method with your .fit file (if it includes RR intervals) by loading it in my Colab (that you can find here)

2) Use the Heart Rate Variability Logger app with a chest strap to collect data

The Heart Rate Variability Logger is currently the only app able to provide DFA alpha 1 in real-time.

If you try the app, make sure to configure it as follows, in Settings:

• Artifact removal: "Workout"
• Computation window: "2 minutes"

At that point, any value below 0.75 in alpha 1 as computed every 2 minutes, highlights an intensity higher than the aerobic threshold (zone 1 in a 3 zones system, or zones 1 and 2 in a 5 zones system, basically low-intensity work as typically present in polarized plans)

Enjoy!