A 3-Component Model for Athlete Classification in Sport Science

I like to think about classifying athletes in sport science research along a 3-dimesional model that considers (1) Fitness, (2) Performance, and (3) Training status

Thresholds, Constructs, and Confidence Intervals

We recently published an article comparing the NIRS-derived deoxy-BP to the RCP (VT2) in a ramp cycling test. I want to use this and another similar study to understand the important differences between threshold measurements, the natural variability in measuring physiology, and how understanding this variability can help us prescribe training targets that will elicit the desired training stimulus for ourselves and our athletes.

Evaluating the Relationships between Muscle Oxygenation, Ventilation, and Lactate Thresholds

The next generation approach to metabolic profiling and training prescription will almost certainly not include breakpoints or thresholds at all, and will use more flexible methods of describing continuous physiological response profiles in real-time. I think that by defining the rules which our brains are already using to find patterns, we will be able to better understand the real physiological relationships for an individual athlete, and improve how we can apply insights to that individual athlete's training.

Why Perform Hard-Start VO2max Intervals?

Hard-start intervals use an initial hard effort at a power output above what would be sustainable for the intended interval duration, to enhance oxygen uptake and cardiac output. Let's talk about some of the reasons for why we might want to perform hard-start intervals, when they might be appropriate for our training, and when they might not be.

Call For Participants (closed)

We are looking for subjects to participate in a remote cycling training study we are conducting through the University of Toronto, in partnership with TrainerRoad. This study will investigate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on cycling performance. If you are interested in participating and want more information, please go to