Quantifying and modeling training load

Wearable sensors and portable devices such as global-positioning system watches, inertial measurement units, and bicycle-mounted power meters are used to collect unprecedented observational data from exercising individuals. Methods for translating these data into actionable insights are needed. Training load metrics and performance models are two such methods.

We have contributed to the development of performance models such as the W'bal model (reviewed by Skiba and Clarke, 2021) and the omni-domain power-duration model (Puchowicz et al. 2020). We have also contributed to research expressing the critical speed and impulse-response models in Bayesian terms (Peng et al., 2023). 

More recent projects focused on investigating the measurement properties of smart swim goggles produced by FORM Swim, Inc., a Vancouver-based wearable technology company. The goggles accurately measure aspects of swim performance (Eisenhardt et al., 2023) and heart rate (Kits et al. 2025), such that they may facilitate objectively quantifying training loads in swimmers.