Performance Measurements
These performance measurements are estimates that can help you track and understand your training activities
and race performances. The measurements require a few activities using wrist-based heart rate or a compatible
chest heart rate monitor. Cycling performance measurements require a heart rate monitor and a power meter.
These estimates are provided and supported by Firstbeat. For more information, go to
NOTE: The estimates may seem inaccurate at first. The device requires you to complete a few activities to learn
about your performance.
VO2 max.: VO2 max. is the maximum volume of oxygen (in milliliters) you can consume per minute per kilogram
of body weight at your maximum performance.
Predicted race times: Your device uses the VO2 max. estimate and your training history to provide a target race
time based on your current state of fitness.
HRV stress test: The heart rate variability (HRV) stress test requires a Garmin chest heart rate monitor. The
device records your heart rate variability while standing still for 3 minutes. It provides your overall stress
level. The scale is 1 to 100, and a lower score indicates a lower stress level.
Performance condition: Your performance condition is a real-time assessment after 6 to 20 minutes of activity.
It can be added as a data field so you can view your performance condition during the rest of your activity. It
compares your real-time condition to your average fitness level.
Functional threshold power (FTP): The device uses your user profile information from the initial setup to
estimate your FTP. For a more accurate rating, you can conduct a guided test.
Lactate threshold: Lactate threshold requires a chest heart rate monitor. Lactate threshold is the point where
your muscles start to rapidly fatigue. Your device measures your lactate threshold level using heart rate data
and pace.
Turning Off Performance Notifications
Some performance notifications appear upon completion of your activity. Some performance notifications
appear during an activity or when you achieve a new performance measurement, such as a new VO2 max.
estimate. You can turn off the performance condition feature to avoid some of these notifications.
1 Hold MENU.
2 Select Physiological Metrics > Perf. Condition.
Detecting Performance Measurements Automatically
The Auto Detection feature is turned on by default. The device can automatically detect your maximum heart
rate and lactate threshold during an activity. When paired with a compatible power meter, the device can
automatically detect your functional threshold power (FTP) during an activity.
NOTE: The device detects a maximum heart rate only when your heart rate is higher than the value set in your
user profile.
1 Hold MENU.
2 Select Physiological Metrics > Auto Detection.
3 Select an option.
Syncing Activities and Performance Measurements
You can sync activities and performance measurements from other Garmin devices to your Descent device
using your Garmin Connect account. This allows your device to more accurately reflect your training status and
fitness. For example, you can record a ride with an Edge device, and view your activity details and overall
training load on your Descent device.
1 Hold MENU.
2 Select Physiological Metrics > TrueUp.
When you sync your device with your smartphone, recent activities and performance measurements from your
other Garmin devices appear on your Descent device.
Heart Rate Features
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