METHODOLOGY
How we evaluate.
Evidence before opinion. Every number has a source and every estimate says what it does not know.
Evidence hierarchy
- L1Systematic review / meta-analysis
- L2Randomized controlled trial
- L3Controlled study
- L4Observational study
- L5Expert opinion
- L6Manufacturer claim
A simplification: a good observational study can beat a small, poorly run trial. Level is the starting point; then we look at quality, population and consistency.
Method card
Every method in the Library will follow the same card. A field without a source stays empty and visible, not filled in.
| What it is | one sentence, no jargon |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | sport, level, time available |
| How it is applied | a typical week or session |
| Evidence | source type and quality |
| Limits | population studied, duration, what it does not show |
| Sources | links to studies or primary texts |
My Wolf
My Wolf saves the Wolf Engine values only on this device, in the browser, and only if you press Save. There is no account and nothing is sent to Wolf Lab. You can delete everything with one button.
Wolf Engine
Wolf Engine uses published formulas (Daniels and Gilbert VDOT, Coggan zones, Friel heart-rate zones, ACSM guidelines). Calculation runs inside your browser. It does not generate training weeks.
No test is presented as real unless it is.
Comparisons (Wolf Picks)
- Each comparison shows only specifications with a source, method and date checked for every field. There is no score, ranking or winner.
- Accepted sources: official manufacturer pages (declared data, level L6) and measurements or tests published by third parties, always credited by name.
- A third-party measurement stays theirs: we say who made it, how and when. We do not present it as ours.
- Manufacturer-declared data is labelled as such and is not put on the same footing as measurements.
- If a value is missing, the page says so. We do not estimate it.
- WOLFLAB tests: none so far. If we run any, the protocol, equipment and limits will be published with the result. Until then no page says "tested by us".
- Affiliate links: none today. When there are some, they will be marked next to the link and do not change the comparison.
- Each page shows the date it was last checked. Data can change with new product versions.
Model sources
- Daniels, Gilbert. Oxygen Power (1979)
- Allen, Coggan. Training and Racing with a Power Meter (zone di potenza)
- Friel. A Quick Guide to Setting Zones
- Tanaka, Monahan, Seals (2001). Age-predicted maximal heart rate revisited
- Jeukendrup (2014). Carbohydrate intake during exercise
- Thomas et al. (2016). Nutrition and Athletic Performance (ACSM, AND, DC)
- Sawka et al. (2007). Exercise and Fluid Replacement (ACSM)
- Wilson et al. (2012). Concurrent training: a meta-analysis
- Maunder et al. (2021). The importance of durability