Also referred to as TMPA, this is used in the definition of intervals in the Xert Workout Designer and represents the end point for a given workout interval. Rather than specifying a duration for an interval, a Target MPA based interval specifies an MPA value. The Target MPA is determined either as an absolute value or as a percentage of PP, TP or Power Reserve. Target MPA using percentage of Power Reserve is defined as TP + percentage * (PP-TP).
Target MPA based intervals can be used for both high intensity efforts (where MPA declines) and recovery intervals (where MPA rises), where the target power is above and below TP, respectively.
N.B. It is not possible to reach at Target MPA that is below the target power. For example, if an interval’s target power is 500 watts, it is not possible to define a Target MPA of 400 watts since it would not be possible to reduce MPA below 500 watts at a target wattage of 500 watts. Once MPA reaches 500 watts, the target power cannot be sustained and so the lowest Target MPA that can be assigned to a 500 watt interval is 500 watts.
Xert Mobile’s Workout Player and Xert Player for Connect IQ support the ability to manage fatigue in order to ensure the Target MPA is reached during workouts. Calculations are based upon whether the interval has a declining or rising MPA value. For example, if an interval has a declining MPA to a given Target MPA level, the players will speed up interval time if the athlete maintains a power above the target power and will slow down interval time if the athlete maintains a power below the target power for the interval. Conversely, during rising MPA intervals, interval time will speed up if that athlete maintains a power below the target power and will slow down the timer if the athlete maintains a power above the target power. These dynamically managed fatigue intervals help ensure that the athlete achieves the goals as determined by the workout design.