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Interpreting Cognitive and Physiological Metrics in Soma Analytics

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Learn how to read and interpret the key metrics in Soma Analytics. Each section explains the mean data and minute-on-minute (MoM) data so you can understand performance trends and training impact.

Reaction Time (RT)

Mean Data:

Shows the athlete’s overall response speed. A lower mean reaction time means faster responses, but it can hide inconsistency or random spikes.

MoM Data:

Tracks how reaction time changes each minute.

  • Increase: Fatigue or focus shift toward accuracy.

  • Decrease: Adapting or task too easy.

  • Fluctuation: Inconsistent focus or overload.

  • Stable: Adapted to the task.


Speed (1000/RT)

Mean Data:

Represents the inverse of reaction time, offering a measure of response quickness. Because it’s a reciprocal transformation, it amplifies small improvements in fast responses but is more sensitive to outliers and lapses.

MoM Data:

Shows how response speed fluctuates minute by minute.

  • Increase: Faster neural processing and improved alertness

  • Decrease: Fatigue, reduced focus, or a strategic shift toward accuracy

  • Fluctuation: Inconsistent performance or overload

  • Stable: Balanced response speed and control


Variation (CV)

Mean Data:

Measures consistency across all trials. Lower variation = more reliable performance.

MoM Data:

Reveals when stability breaks down.

  • Increase: Fatigue or over-challenge.

  • Decrease: Adaptation and control.

  • Fluctuation: Inconsistent focus.

  • Stable: Well-balanced workload.


RCS (Rate Correct Score)

Mean Data:

Shows how many correct responses per second. Balances speed and accuracy into one efficiency score.

MoM Data:

Shows how efficiency changes through the task.

  • Increase: Strong adaptation and focus.

  • Decrease: Fatigue or accuracy bias.

  • Fluctuation: Inconsistent effort.

  • Stable: Adapted and efficient.


Accuracy

Mean Data:

Shows how many responses were correct overall. Higher accuracy means greater precision and fewer errors.

MoM Data:

Reveals changes in precision across the session.

  • Increase: Improved focus and control.

  • Decrease: Fatigue or overload.

  • Fluctuation: Inconsistent engagement.

  • Stable: Adapted performance.


rMSSD

Mean Data:

Represents short-term heart rate variability and parasympathetic recovery. Higher rMSSD reflects good recovery and strong autonomic control.

MoM Data:

Shows how recovery capacity changes in real time.

  • Increase: Good recovery response and resilience.

  • Decrease: Signs of accumulated fatigue or stress.

  • Fluctuation: Inconsistent recovery or external stress factors.

  • Stable: Balanced recovery and well-managed load.


SDNN

Mean Data:

Represents overall heart rate variability and system adaptability. Higher SDNN reflects good cardiovascular balance and stress tolerance.

MoM Data:

Tracks real-time nervous system balance.

  • Increase: Good adaptability

  • Decrease: Fatigue or elevated stress

  • Fluctuation: Unstable response or poor recovery

  • Stable: Consistent regulation and balance


Quick Summary

Metric

Mean Tells You

MoM Tells You

What to Look For

Reaction Time

Average response speed

Fatigue or adaptation

Consistent = control

Speed

Processing speed (inverse of RT)

Performance trends

Higher = faster processing

Variation

Consistency

Stability under load

Lower = adaptation

RCS

Efficiency (speed + accuracy)

Fatigue or control

Higher = efficiency

Accuracy

Precision

Focus consistency

High and stable = control

rMSSD / SDNN

Recovery and stress

Stress balance

Stable = recovery

Reminder

To track HRV (rMSSD, SDNN) and BPM, connect a Polar H10 strap to Soma NPT.

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