Metabolic Power
What is it?
It's a way to estimate a player's actual energy demand, taking into account actions such as accelerations, decelerations, and changes of direction. Unlike speed, it takes into account the hidden effort behind short, intense movements.
Why is it important?
A player may appear to be jogging, but if they make many stops and turns, this increases their energy expenditure. Metabolic power helps to visualise these efforts more accurately.
How is it measured in OLIVER PRO?
It's expressed in W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight). You can also check the following specific variables:
Total Metabolic Power: Cumulative energy expenditure during the session, measured in KJ/kg.
High-Power Distance: Meters covered above the high-power threshold (>20 W/kg).
Low-Power Distance: Meters covered below the threshold (<20 W/kg).
High-Power Time: Total time the player was above the threshold, measured in seconds.
% of Time in High Power: Proportion of total session time with high energy demand.
Practical Example
A straight sprint consumes energy. But a sprint followed by a sharp stop and a change of direction consumes more. Metabolic power reflects this better than speed.
HMLD (High Metabolic Load Distance)
What is it?
It’s the distance a player covers above a high metabolic power threshold, typically >25.5 W/kg.
Why does it matter?
It reflects the amount of time that a player spent working under a high energy demand, even if they weren’t running fast. It is especially useful for evaluating the intensity of training sessions and matches.
Which metrics are related to HMLD?
High-Power Distance
High-Power Time and % of Time in High Power
These variables help quantify how much and when a player operated in high-effort zones.
CODs (Changes of Direction)
What are they?
They are changes in direction made by the player, with or without the ball. They are detected when there’s a significant shift in trajectory following a deceleration or turn.
Why does it matter?
CODs are key to understanding neuromuscular load and coordination. A player might cover a short distance, but if making many cuts or turns, they’re still under high physical demand.
How are they measured in OLIVER PRO?
Total number of CODs per session (based on an estimate from the trajectory detected by the device).
Example
A defender may not run long distances but still accumulates a high load by constantly turning to mark opponents.
Jumps
What are they?
Actions in which the player propels themselves vertically (e.g. to head the ball, block or clear). These are high-impact physical events.
Why does it matter?
Jumps involve explosive efforts requiring strength, power and neuromuscular control. They provide valuable insights when monitoring players by position, especially centre-backs, goalkeepers and pivots.
How are they measured in OLIVER PRO?
Total number of jumps per session (based on an estimate from the trajectory detected by the device).
These metrics are available within the external load settings and also in the injury profile view.