Weighted power is a metric used in endurance sports to quantify the physiological demands and overall intensity of a workout or race. It provides a more accurate representation of the actual effort exerted during variable or non-linear activities compared to average power.
Weighted power takes into account the fluctuations and surges in power output that occur during an activity. It assigns higher importance or weighting to high-intensity efforts while reducing the influence of lower-intensity periods. This reflects the physiological strain experienced by the athlete more accurately.
The calculation of weighted power involves taking the fourth power of each power data point, averaging these values over the duration of the activity, and then taking the fourth root of the average. This process amplifies the impact of high-intensity efforts, giving them more significance in the final metric.
The usage of weighted power provides valuable insights into the physiological stress imposed on the body during a workout or race. It helps athletes assess the true intensity of their efforts, compare the demands of different activities, and track training progress over time.
By considering weighted power, athletes can better understand the physiological impact of their training sessions, optimize their training load, and make more informed decisions regarding pacing, recovery, and performance improvement in endurance sports.