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Analysis of institutional authors

Ruiz-Alvarez, AbelAuthorGomez-Ruano, Miguel-AngelCorresponding Author

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October 28, 2025
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Effect of Speed Threshold Approaches for Evaluation of External Load in Male Basketball Players

Publicated to: SENSORS. 25 (19): 6085- - 2025-10-02 25(19), DOI: 10.3390/s25196085

Authors:

Ruiz-Alvarez, A; Leicht, AS; Vaquera, A; Gómez-Ruano, MA
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Affiliations

James Cook Univ, Sport & Exercise Sci, Townsville 4810, Australia - Author
Univ Leon, Fac Phys Act & Sport Sci, Leon 24075, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, Fac Phys Act & Sport Sci, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
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Abstract

Arbitrary zones are commonly used to describe and monitor external load (EL) during training and competitions. However, in recent years, relative speed zones have gained interest as they allow a more detailed description of the demands of each individual player, with their benefits largely unknown. This study aimed to (i) identify differences in EL methodological approaches using arbitrary and relative running speed zones; (ii) examine the effect of the methodological approaches to identify fast and slow basketball players during competition and training; and (iii) determine the effect of the season stage on the methodological approaches. Twelve players from a Spanish fourth-division basketball team were observed for a full season of matches and training using inertial devices with ultra-wideband indoor tracking technology and micro-sensors. Relative velocity zones were based on the maximum velocity achieved during each match quarter and were retrospectively recalculated into four zones. A linear mixed model (LMM) compared fast and slow players based on speed profiles between arbitrary and relative thresholds and during each competition stage. All players surpassed peak speeds of 24 km center dot h(-1) during the season, exceeding typical values reported in elite basketball (20-24.5 km center dot h(-1)). Arbitrary thresholds produced greater distances in high-speed running (Zones 3 and 4) and yielded lower values in low-speed activity (Zone 1), with differences of similar to 100 m and similar to 120-250 m, respectively (p < 0.001), particularly for fast-profile players. These discrepancies were consistent across most stages of the season, although relative zones better captured variations in Zone 1 across time. Training sessions also elicited +8.7% to +40.7% greater distances > 18 km center dot h(-1) compared to matches. The speed zone methodology substantially influenced EL estimates and affected how player EL was interpreted across time. Arbitrary and relative approaches offer unique applications, with coaches and sport scientists encouraged to be aware that using a one-size-fits-all approach may lead to misrepresentation of individual player demands, especially when tracking changes in performance or managing fatigue throughout a competitive season.
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Keywords

Across timeAdultAthleteAthletesAthletic performanceBasketballClassificationDemanding scenariosEmbedded systemsExternal loadsGamesHumanHumansMaleMethodological approachMicro sensorsMicro-sensorsPerformancePhysiologyPlayerPlayersRelative speedRunningTeam sportsTechnologyThreshold approachTraining and competitionsTraining loadYoung adult

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal SENSORS due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency Scopus (SJR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position , thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Instrumentation.

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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-09:

  • The use, from an academic perspective evidenced by the Altmetric agency indicator referring to aggregations made by the personal bibliographic manager Mendeley, gives us a total of: 8.
  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 8 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

  • The Total Score from Altmetric: 4.
  • The number of mentions on the social network X (formerly Twitter): 4 (Altmetric).

It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

  • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
  • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/94910/

As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

  • Views: 18
  • Downloads: 4
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Leadership analysis of institutional authors

This work has been carried out with international collaboration, specifically with researchers from: Australia.

There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (RUIZ ALVAREZ, ABEL) and Last Author (GOMEZ RUANO, MIGUEL ANGEL).

the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been GOMEZ RUANO, MIGUEL ANGEL.

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