Yes, the Garmin Enduro 3 can adjust its VO2 max calculations based on the terrain conditions. This is a key new feature for the Enduro 3 that improves the accuracy of the VO2 max estimate for trail running.
Trail Run VO2 Max Insights
The Enduro 3 includes "trail run VO2 max" which automatically adjusts the VO2 max estimate based on the varying trail and terrain conditions that can affect run performance[1][3][6]. This helps provide a more accurate VO2 max for trail running compared to road running.
Accounting for Terrain Difficulty
The Enduro 3 uses the accelerometer data to determine the difference between additional energy expenditure related to the terrain versus other factors[1]. This allows it to better isolate the impact of the terrain difficulty on VO2 max.
Previous Garmin watches underestimated VO2 max when running on difficult terrain like trails, because the extra effort measured didn't necessarily reflect a lower fitness level, but rather the challenging terrain[1]. The Enduro 3 corrects for this by factoring in the terrain difficulty.
So in summary, the Garmin Enduro 3 provides a more accurate VO2 max estimate for trail running by dynamically adjusting the calculation based on terrain conditions detected by the accelerometer. This is a significant upgrade over previous Garmin watches.
Citations:[1] https://www.sport-passion.fr/en/testing/garmin-enduro-in-depth-review.php
[2] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-7AD1A592-9044-4D84-9688-7B5209F85BFF/EN-GB/GUID-3E971364-A756-4057-B22D-C41250B2A82B.html
[3] https://sgbonline.com/pushing-the-limits-with-enduro-3-from-garmin/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/rgltvf/i_will_never_understand_garmins_vo2_max/
[5] https://sites.udel.edu/coe-engex/2019/03/16/how-accurate-is-your-garmins-vo2max-estimate/
[6] https://www.garmin.com/en-US/newsroom/press-release/wearables-health/push-your-limits-with-the-enduro-3-from-garmin-a-lightweight-ultraperformance-gps-smartwatch-with-best-in-class-solar-battery-life/
[7] https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/sports-fitness/f/forerunner-230-235/120398/does-terrain-affect-your-vo2-max-estimate-on-your-watch
[8] https://www.playbetter.com/blogs/running/garmin-enduro-3-release