The above scatter plot graph is one of many that I have analyzed for a cyclist preparing for a 7 day stage race. The benefits of using quadrant analysis in training are many. However, the biggest benefit I have found is that it lets the athlete and coach know what is being trained neuromuscularly in every workout. So many of us focus on the cardio-respiratory system and neglect to think about what we are asking from our muscles. You can see from the graph that there are four quadrants that data from a power meter can fall into. This sample workout is a 6 x 6 minute interval workout at CP 30 (Critical Power or also know as threshold power) with 2-3 minutes rest between each interval. Knowing that this individual will be experiencing a great deal of hill climbing in his future "A" stage race we are targeting quadrant II. Quadrant II involves high force and low velocity or cadence. He is using a powertap power meter. Now it is not only possible to tell that he executed his interval workout...we can also see that he targeted his race specific muscular group. Since he has just purchased his power meter he has not used it in a race yet. Once he completes his stage race it will be possible to superimpose the data with future training rides to train even more specifically for this stage race in future years to come.
