Quadrant analysis:Quadrant analysis:theorytheory

Andrew R. Coggan, Ph.D.

What is quadrant analysis?What is quadrant analysis?

Quadrant analysis is a graphical tool for analyzing powermeter data to provide insight into the neuromuscular demands of a particular race or training session. A better understanding of such demands can be helpful not only for optimizing training but also behaviors during races themselves.

Quantifying the neuromuscular Quantifying the neuromuscular demands of training and racing: demands of training and racing:

AEPF and CPVAEPF and CPV

Average effective pedal force (AEPF) =(power • 60)/(cadence • 2 • Pi • crank length)

Circumferential pedal velocity (CPV) =(cadence • 2 • Pi • crank length)/60

Frequency distribution histogram of Frequency distribution histogram of AEPF during a level 3 training rideAEPF during a level 3 training ride

AEPF-CPV relationshipAEPF-CPV relationshipduring a level 3 training rideduring a level 3 training ride

AEPF-CPV-time relationshipAEPF-CPV-time relationshipduring a level 3 training rideduring a level 3 training ride

Statement of the problemStatement of the problem

Simply plotting AEPF and CPV, even against each other and/or time, primarily tells you what you actually did during a particular race or training session, and provides only limited insight into the impact that had/is likely to have upon you from a physiological perspective.

Muscle force-velocity andMuscle force-velocity andpower-velocity relationshipspower-velocity relationships

Maximal force (Fo)

Maximal velocity(Vmax)

Maximal power (Pmax)

AEPF-CPV andAEPF-CPV andpower-CPV relationshippower-CPV relationship

Maximal AEPF (= Fo)

Maximal CPV(= Vmax)

Maximal power (Pmax)

Maximal AEPF-CPV and Maximal AEPF-CPV and submaximalsubmaximal power power

Fiber type recruitment as a function of Fiber type recruitment as a function of exercise intensityexercise intensity

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% f

ibe

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% of VO2max

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Type IIa

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Vollestad et al. Acta Physiol Scand 125:395-405, 1985

EMG activity as a function of cadenceEMG activity as a function of cadence

MacIntosh, Neptune, and Horton, Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000; 32:1281-1287

Fiber type recruitment as a Fiber type recruitment as a function of cadencefunction of cadence

Ahlquist et al., Eur J Appl Physiol 1992; 65: 360-364.

Maximal AEPF-CPV and powerMaximal AEPF-CPV and power

AEPF vs. CPV during flat time trialAEPF vs. CPV during flat time trial

AEPF vs. CPV during flat time trialAEPF vs. CPV during flat time trial

QA of flat time trialQA of flat time trial

QA of 6 x 1 km from standing startQA of 6 x 1 km from standing start

QA with data from different PMsQA with data from different PMsRide #1

Ride #2