DFA alpha-1: A non-invasive, cheap option for estimating the aerobic threshold with Bruce Rogers, MD | EP#329
That Triathlon Show
The Low A1 While Running Syndrome
There is some sort of artifact that gives what I call the low A1 while running syndrome. It may have to do with literally the mechanical bounce up and down. What I've recommended for people who have that type of problem, you're not going to beat it by running. However, like walking up a very steep in pie, very steep or a stair stepper, very steep will work because you're not bouncing.
Bruce Rogers, MD, is one of the researchers behind the research on using the non-linear HRV-based marker DFA alpha-1 (which can be be measured non-invasively and for free or very cheaply) to assess the aerobic threshold. We discuss this research and its applications in this interview.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:
-What is DFA alpha-1, and how can you measure it?
-The current evidence behind using DFA alpha-1 as a marker for the aerobic threshold (LT1/VT1)
-Testing protocols, and hardware and software requirements for testing
-Limitations and challenges, including devices, artifacts, and training modality
-How to incorporate DFA alpha-1 testing in your training
-Other potential applications of DFA alpha-1, including assessing fatigue and durability
SHOWNOTES:
https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts329/
SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:
www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/
SPONSORS:
Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free online Sweat Test and Quick Carb Calculator on precisionfuelandhydration.com. Book a free one-on-one consultation to chat with the team and refine your fueling and hydration even further. Listeners of That Triathlon Show get 15% off their first order of fueling and hydration products. If you didn't catch the discount code in the episode, email Andy and the team at hello@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help.
ROKA - Exceptional quality triathlon wetsuits, trisuits, swimskins, goggles, performance sunglasses as well as prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Online vision test for prescription updates and home try-on options available for eyeglasses. Ships from the US, UK and EU. Trusted by world-leading athletes such as Lucy Charles-Barclay, Javier Gómez Noya, Flora Duffy, Morgan Pearson, Summer Rappaport and others in triathlon, cycling, speed skating, and many more. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
- Bruce profiles on Twitter and Research Gate
- A New Detection Method Defining the Aerobic Threshold for Endurance Exercise and Training Prescription Based on Fractal Correlation Properties of Heart Rate Variability - Rogers et al. 2021
- An Index of Non-Linear HRV as a Proxy of the Aerobic Threshold Based on Blood Lactate Concentration in Elite Triathletes - Rogers et al. 2022
- Detection of the Anaerobic Threshold in Endurance Sports: Validation of a New Method Using Correlation Properties of Heart Rate Variability - Rogers et al. 2021
- Influence of Artefact Correction and Recording Device Type on the Practical Application of a Non-Linear Heart Rate Variability Biomarker for Aerobic Threshold Determination - Rogers et al. 2021
- Fractal correlation properties of heart rate variability as a biomarker of endurance exercise fatigue in ultramarathon runners - Rogers et al. 2021
- Correlation Properties of Heart Rate Variability during a Marathon Race in Recreational Runners: Potential Biomarker of Complex Regulation during Endurance Exercise - Rogers et al. 2021
- Heart Rate Variability – New perspectives and insights with Marco Altini, PhD | EP#325
RATE AND REVIEW:
If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/
CONTACT:
Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
SPONSORS:
- Precision Fuel & Hydration produce our favourite gels, sports drinks, and electrolyte and carbohydrate products here at That Triathlon Show and Scientific Triathlon. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event, and get 15% off your first 2026 order by using the code TTS2026 at checkout.
- Rouvy is hands down the most complete indoor cycling platform for triathletes. Among their thousands of beautiful bike courses from all around the world, all filmed in stunning quality, they have over 75 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race courses plus 20+ Challenge Family courses, so you can pre-ride your race from home. Real gradients, real visuals, and real feel! Head to rouvy.com and use the code TTS to get your first month free on top of a 7-day free trial.
- Effortless Swimming produce the best swim goggles for triathletes and open water swimmers. Their NanoClear anti-fog lenses give you clear, fog-free vision that lasts and doesn't wear off. Don't let foggy or leaky goggles ruin another swim. Go to shop.effortlessswimming.com and use the code TTS15 to get 15% off your goggles, and get a free two-month Effortless Swimming course membership.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
