Integrating biomechanical indicators in training load monitoring based on TRIMP model among elite basketball players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.116527Keywords:
Training Load, TRIMP, Biomechanics, EMG, NeuromuscularAbstract
Introduction: this study addressed the limitations of the traditional training impulse model in representing training load in elite basketball, a sport characterized by high mechanical stress and neuromuscular demands. the conventional model primarily reflected cardiovascular load and underestimated biomechanical contributions associated with explosive movements.
Objective: the objective of the study was to evaluate a hybrid training load model integrating biomechanical indicators with the traditional training impulse approach in elite basketball players.
Methodology: a quasi-experimental design was applied to a sample of 26 elite basketball players. training load data were collected using heart rate monitoring systems, force platforms, surface electromyographic recordings, and high-speed motion analysis. biomechanical indicators included ground reaction force, ground contact time, muscle electrical activity, and knee joint angle. statistical analyses involved paired sample tests, correlation analysis, and multiple regression procedures.
Results: the results demonstrated statistically significant differences between the traditional model and the hybrid biomechanical model in estimating training load. ground reaction force showed the strongest association with the hybrid model, followed by muscle electrical activity and ground contact time. regression analysis indicated that biomechanical indicators jointly explained a substantial proportion of training load variability, with knee joint angle identified as the most influential predictor.
Discussion: the findings were consistent with previous research emphasizing the importance of mechanical load and neuromuscular stress in high-impact sports. the hybrid model provided greater sensitivity in capturing external and internal load components compared with traditional cardiovascular-based approaches.
Conclusions: the integration of biomechanical indicators enhanced training load monitoring in elite basketball and supports a more comprehensive and individualized assessment approach.
References
Arboix-Alió, J., Puigdellívol, J., Reina, M., & Vázquez-Guerrero, J. (2024). Ground reaction forces, asymmetries, and performance of change-of-direction tests in elite female basketball players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 42(4), 353–362. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2023.2293668
Bourdon, P. C., Cardinale, M., Murray, A., Gastin, P., Kellmann, M., Varley, M. C., & Cable, N. T. (2017). Monitoring athlete training loads: Consensus statement. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(Suppl 2), S2-161–S2-170. https://doi.org/10.1123/IJSPP.2017-0208
Buchheit, M. (2014). Monitoring training status with HR measures: Do all roads lead to Rome? Frontiers in Physiology, 5, 73. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2014.00073
Capdevila, L., et al. (2024). Non-invasive HRV protocol and new index to assess internal load in basketball. Retos, 54. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v54.102596
De Luca, C. J. (1997). The use of surface electromyography in biomechanics. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 13(2), 135–163.
Foster, C., Rodriguez-Marroyo, J. A., & de Koning, J. J. (2017). Monitoring training loads: The past, the present, and the future. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(Suppl 2), S2-2–S2-8.
Fox, J. L., Scanlan, A. T., & Stanton, R. (2017). A review of player monitoring approaches in basketball: Current trends and future directions. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(7), 2021–2029. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001964
Gamonales, J. M., et al. (2023). Analysis of the external and internal load in professional basketball players during the pre-season. Sports, 11(10), 195. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11100195
Hamid, J. A. K., Salama, O. A. I., Sadiq, A. J., Zohear, A., Jasim, T. A., & Ismaeel, S. A. (2025). Three-dimensional quantitative analysis of kinematic variables in discus throwing performance. Journal of Sport Biomechanics, 10(4), 310–322. https://doi.org/10.21859/JSportBiomech.10.4.407.1
Hashim, H., Mohammed, S. A., Ali, B. M., Ismaeel, S. A., & Nasir, M. (2025). Biceps and triceps muscle activation under progressive loads: Functional symmetry of the upper limbs. Journal of Sport Biomechanics, 11(1), 64–78. https://doi.org/10.61186/JSportBiomech.11.1.64
Huang, W.-Y., Huang, H., & Wu, C.-E. (2024). Differences in the lateral and vertical jump performances of elite male basketball players—An axial stabilization training program. Applied Sciences, 14(11), Article 4832. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114832
Impellizzeri, F. M., Rampinini, E., & Marcora, S. M. (2005). Physiological assessment of aerobic training in soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences, 23(6), 583–592. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410400021278
Ismaeel, S. A., et al. (2025). Transformations in muscular mechanical properties and the impact of dynamic balance on free kick accuracy in elite football players. Retos, 64, 899–904.
Li, G., et al. (2024). The impact of internal and external loads on player performance: Evidence and implications for load monitoring. Biology of Sport.
López-Sierra, P., et al. (2025). A comprehensive analysis of internal and external load monitoring systems in basketball. Scientific Reports, 15, 25768. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25768-w
Manzi, V., et al. (2009). Relation between individualized training impulses and performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(11), 2090–2096.
Markovic, G., & Mikulic, P. (2010). Neuro-musculoskeletal adaptations to plyometric training. Sports Medicine, 40(10), 859–895.
Molina, R., et al. (2024). Analysis of weekly internal and external load fluctuations in professional basketball. Kinesiology, 56(2). https://doi.org/10.26582/k.56.2.8
Reina, M., et al. (2020). Comparación de la carga interna y externa en competición oficial de 3 vs. 3 y 5 vs. 5 en baloncesto femenino. Retos.
Safaa, A., & Hashim Fenjan, F. (2022). Biomechanical analysis and EMG activity during the snatch lift. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
Scanlan, A. T., Tucker, P. S., Wen, N., & Dalbo, V. J. (2014). Relationships between internal and external training load models during basketball training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(9), 2397–2405. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000458
Vanrenterghem, J., Nedergaard, N. J., Robinson, M. A., & Drust, B. (2017). Training load monitoring in team sports. Sports Medicine, 47(11), 2135–2142. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0714-2
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Jaafar Majeed, Rafid Habeb Qadori, Safaa A. Ismaeel

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and ensure the magazine the right to be the first publication of the work as licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of authorship of the work and the initial publication in this magazine.
- Authors can establish separate additional agreements for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in the journal (eg, to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Is allowed and authors are encouraged to disseminate their work electronically (eg, in institutional repositories or on their own website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as to a subpoena more Early and more of published work (See The Effect of Open Access) (in English).
This journal provides immediate open access to its content (BOAI, http://legacy.earlham.edu/~peters/fos/boaifaq.htm#openaccess) on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The authors may download the papers from the journal website, or will be provided with the PDF version of the article via e-mail.