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Reading the W′-Balance Chart

Mathematical and visual reference for the W′-Balance Chart, the second-by-second trace of the cyclist's remaining anaerobic work capacity reservoir during a session, computed via the Skiba 2012 differential equation that governs W′ depletion above CP and exponential reconstitution below CP. Documents the underlying integration mathematics, the standard visual layout (W′ remaining as a percentage line dropping during efforts and rising during recovery), the use of the chart for retrospective pacing analysis and prospective race-pacing simulation, and the boundary conditions where the model misleads.

Mathematical and visual reference for the W′-Balance Chart, the second-by-second trace of the cyclist's remaining anaerobic work capacity reservoir during a session, computed via the Skiba 2012 differential equation that governs W′ depletion above CP and exponential reconstitution below CP. Documents the underlying integration mathematics, the standard visual layout (W′ remaining as a percentage line dropping during efforts and rising during recovery), the use of the chart for retrospective pacing analysis and prospective race-pacing simulation, and the boundary conditions where the model misleads.

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References

  • Skiba PF, Chidnok W, Vanhatalo A, Jones AM (2012). Modeling the expenditure and reconstitution of work capacity above critical power. Med Sci Sports Exerc 44:1526-1532. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182517a80 · PMID 22382171
  • Skiba PF, Fulford J, Clarke DC, Vanhatalo A, Jones AM (2015). Intramuscular determinants of the ability to recover work capacity above critical power. Eur J Appl Physiol 115:703-713. doi: 10.1007/s00421-014-3050-3 · PMID 25425258
  • Jones AM, Vanhatalo A (2017). The 'Critical Power' concept: applications to sports performance with a focus on intermittent high-intensity exercise. Sports Med 47 Suppl 1:65-78. doi: 10.1007/s40279-017-0688-0 · PMID 28332113
  • Poole DC, Burnley M, Vanhatalo A, Rossiter HB, Jones AM (2016). Critical Power: an important fatigue threshold in exercise physiology. Med Sci Sports Exerc 48:2320-2334. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000939 · PMID 27031742
  • Leo P, Spragg J, Podlogar T, Lawley JS, Mujika I (2022). Power profiling and the power-duration relationship in cycling: a narrative review. Eur J Appl Physiol 122:301-316. doi: 10.1007/s00421-021-04833-y · PMID 34708276