Metabolic Simulation

Metabolic processes carry out the metabolism that provides the energy required for athletic exertion. Direct quantitative modeling of metabolites as variables is possible but very complex. Simpler models elegantly abstract the underlying physiology and have been successful in the practice of sports informatics. Mathematical modeling of the measurable output variables of oxygen uptake, lacate concentration, and heart rate yields a solid foundation with applications in the planning and control of performance in training and competition. Often such models appear in the form of simple linear differential equations with exponential, asymptotically constant solutions converging to an equilibrium. The (critical power) CP model, on the other hand, describes the relationship between work done and remaining energy reserves. With this physiological model, combined with a mechanical model of physical power in cycling on a course with a given elevation profile, optimal pacing strategies can be calculated by numerical methods.