Quantification of external load in basketball using WIMU Pro: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v76.116255Keywords:
Training, IMU, load monitoring , sports performanceAbstract
Introduction: In modern basketball, measuring external load has become essential for optimising player performance and preventing injuries. However, measuring external load in basketball using technologies such as the WIMU Pro™ system remains limited compared to other team sports.
Objective: To analyse the use of an inertial measurement units system (IMUs; WIMU Pro™) to measure external load in basketball, and synthesise results related to external load monitoring using this technology.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches were performed using Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus, including studies published up to 2024 that employed the WIMU Pro™ system in basketball contexts.
Results: A total of 13 studies were included in the review which analysed external load variables such as total distance covered, accelerations, impacts, and player load. Significant variations in external load were observed depending on the game period, playing position, sex, task type, competition level, context (training vs. competition), court space, scoreline, and time window analysed.
Discussion: The WIMU Pro™ system enables the identification of relevant external load patterns in basketball. However, the limited number of available studies and methodological heterogeneity hinder cross-study comparisons and restrict the generalisability of results.
Conclusions: The WIMU Pro™ system is a useful tool for measuring external load in basketball. Future research should increase sample sizes, explore additional contextual variables, and integrate internal load monitoring to provide a more comprehensive and practical approach for training and competition settings.
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