PlayerLoad (Catapult's trademarked term; equivalents exist in other GPS systems) is a composite score computed from tri-axial accelerometer data. It sums the rate of change in acceleration across the X, Y, and Z axes, capturing not just running distance but also accelerations, decelerations, cuts, jumps, and contacts — actions that running distance alone misses.
Because it's objective and continuous, PlayerLoad gives a more complete picture of session demand than sRPE alone, especially in collision and change-of-direction sports (rugby, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer). Teams typically use it alongside total distance, high-speed-running distance, and number of high-acceleration events.
Like sRPE, PlayerLoad is dimensionless when used as the input to a ratio (e.g. an ACWR computed from PlayerLoad) — so it integrates cleanly into existing load-monitoring frameworks.
Where it's used
Professional and elite-amateur team-sport load monitoring with GPS / accelerometer hardware.
References
- Boyd LJ, Ball K, Aughey RJ (2011). The reliability of MinimaxX accelerometers for measuring physical activity in Australian football. Int J Sports Physiol Perform.
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