Understanding power vs heart rate comparison chart

I broke my pelvis mid June and am now on the comeback trail. I’m interested to track my (hoped for) return to form, using the power vs heart rate comparison chart. Right now, understandably, it take me more bpm to produce the same watts as I could do for fewer bpm pre-injury. While I’m feeling stronger in the last month, the gap is not closing yet (I know it will come).

My question is about exactly what data points this is comparing. Is it a single “most efficient peak” of about 5 or 10 seconds? Or is it my ability to hold a given power over a longer period, say 30 or 60 seconds? Knowing that would help me understand the “noise” in the data. Thanks.

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That chart is generated from the 1 minute lag adjusted power vs HR points used to plot the Power / HR charts on the activity power page. Data points that have not moving time etc. are tossed out.

Good luck with your recovery. I had a partial knee replacement 6 months ago so am also looking at that chart.

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Thanks David, that’s helpful.

Strangely, although my eFTP is gradually increasing so I’m getting fitter, I’m not yet seeing the compare lines get closer - if anything, they’re drifting further part as the eFTP increases (and I’m sure my power is returning as my ramp tests are showing this clearly).

I’ll keep checking out the chart until I can see what’s going on more clearly.

And good luck to you with your recovery. We’re playing the long game!Screenshot 2022-10-20 112141

For me it is difficult to read this chart, too.

In my opinion the axes of this chart should be switched (heart rate at the X axes and power at the Y axes) and it would be much clearer.
You could easily see then, if you deliver more or less watts at a given heart rate when your fitness changes.