Interpretation thresholds
Thresholds define the wording used by the local report to interpret selected metrics. They do not change the recorded data or the formula used to calculate a metric.
For example, measured decoupling of 7% remains 7%. With default thresholds, the report describes it as moderate drift; changing the thresholds changes the verdict, not the measurement.
Where can they be changed?
Open Settings → Analysis thresholds. Only coaches and administrators can save changes. Thresholds are shared across the application and apply to reports generated afterwards.
Changing a threshold does not recalculate raw data or retroactively change a physiological result. It changes how the report phrases its interpretation.
Default values
| Setting | Default | Configurable range | Report interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decoupling — good | < 5% | 1–20% | well coupled below this threshold |
| Decoupling — moderate | < 10% | 1–30% | moderate drift between the thresholds, significant drift above |
| VAM — beginner | < 400 m/h | 100–600 m/h | beginner below this threshold |
| VAM — intermediate | < 600 m/h | 300–1,000 m/h | intermediate from 400 to 600 m/h |
| VAM — advanced | < 900 m/h | 600–1,500 m/h | advanced from 600 to 900 m/h, elite above |
| Cadence — low threshold | 165 spm | 140–180 spm | below the road reference range |
| Cadence — high threshold | 175 spm | 160–200 spm | reference range between limits, dynamic cadence above |
| HR drift — low | < 5% | 1–15% | stable cardiac response below this threshold |
| HR drift — moderate | < 10% | 5–25% | moderate drift between the thresholds, high drift above |
Aerobic decoupling
Decoupling compares the pace-to-heart-rate relationship between the two halves of an activity. With default settings:
- below 5%: well coupled;
- from 5% to below 10%: moderate drift;
- 10% or above: significant drift.
When altitude coverage is sufficient, MINDRAW uses grade-adjusted pace. Thresholds do not compensate for heat, hydration, fatigue or stops, so these factors remain part of the interpretation.
VAM
VAM is classified from genuinely ascending segments. The mountain report is only produced when the session contains meaningful climbing, with more than 30 metres of usable elevation gain.
Classes are indicative and depend heavily on gradient, technical difficulty, climb duration and altitude. They contextualise a session; they do not assign an official level to the athlete.
Cadence
The 165–175 spm limits mainly apply to road running. For trail activities or sessions with more than 100 metres of elevation gain, MINDRAW adapts its commentary: lower cadence is expected on climbs, walking sections and technical terrain.
There is no need to target 180 spm mechanically. Morphology, pace, gradient and session type naturally influence cadence.
Heart-rate drift
Raw HR drift compares heart-rate evolution between the two halves. It is shown with its own verdict in the local report:
- below 5%: low drift;
- from 5% to below 10%: moderate drift;
- 10% or above: high drift.
This measurement does not account for pace or gradient. It complements decoupling rather than replacing it. An increase may notably reflect intensity, duration, heat, hydration, or recovery status.
Consistency rules
Always keep thresholds in a logical order:
- good decoupling below moderate decoupling;
- beginner VAM below intermediate, and intermediate below advanced;
- low cadence below high cadence;
- low HR drift below moderate HR drift.
After changing thresholds, review the outcome across several representative activities before applying the settings to an entire team.