How Does Training Load Work?

Training Load is calculated in PlayerPulse using an EWMA (exponentially weighted moving average). This means that days that are closer to today are weighted more heavily than days that are further away. The Load Ratio (what you see above training load) is the ratio of acute (7 day) to chronic (28 day).

Training Load exists INDEPENDENT of readiness and wellness reports, and is only based on the RPE and Minutes trained by the player

What is the Load Ratio?

The Load Ratio helps inform whether a player is doing too much, too little, or just the right amount of training on any given day.

Training Load on a single day (unweighted) is calculated based on the minutes trained x RPE (rate of perceived exertion). This value is then weighted inside both the acute and chronic load formulas to determine the current Load Ratio of the athlete.

If a player's load ratio is 0.0 - 0.8, they are considered to be in a state of "Detraining" and are considered to be losing fitness. This means they are not doing enough work to maintain their fitness levels that were built up in the prior weeks. This could be by design (in the case of overtraining) or due to an injury that the player has sustained.

If a player's load ratio is 0.8 - 1.3, they are considered "On Target". This means that they are doing the right amount of work to not only maintain their current fitness levels but also improve them.

If a player's load ratio is 1.3 - 1.5, they are considered to be "Overtraining" which means they could be at risk of injury from doing too much, too soon.

If a player's load ratio is greater than 1.5, they are considered to be at "Injury Risk" and are doing too much compared to their chronic load.

When player's use the app for the first time, if they don't enter any INDIVIDUAL events on their own (and no team events have been entered in the past), it is likely the app will flag all players as injury risk because it is ASSUMING that they have done nothing for the last 28 days (even though that may or may not be true). Give the app at least 3-4 weeks to normalize before depending on this as a metric for injury risk.

How to Have the Most Accurate Training Load

Data can only paint a complete picture if it is accurate and not missing gaps. The following must be followed for Training Load to paint an accurate picture of training status for the athlete.

1. Don't Miss ANY RPE Submissions After Events.

   Missing RPE's can significantly skew the data.

2. Enter all INDIVIDUAL events performed by the athlete

   This includes runs, lifts, pick up games, other sports etc. Click here to learn how to create events as a player and a coach.

3. Enter RPE within 15(!) minutes of conclusion of event. The further out the submission, the less likely the value is to be accurate