Physical activity levels, agility skills and speed among female basketball players compared to non-basketball players in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Research findings indicate a concerning prevalence of physical inactivity among Saudi females, which has been associated with low physical performance levels. To address this challenge, it is crucial to promote sports participation, particularly in activities such as basketball. However, despite its potential benefits, the specific effects of basketball engagement among Saudi females remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between physical performance and basketball playing among female collegiate players compared to non-basketball players in Saudi Arabia. Also, this study examined the effect of years of playing basketball on the basketball players group's speed, agility, and physical activity levels.

Methods: The participants were divided into two groups: a non-athletic control group of 20 participants (age: 22 ± 2.0 years; weight: 55.6 ± 7.7 kg; height: 157.7 ± 5.5 cm) and a basketball group of 18 participants (age: 20 ± 3.3 years; weight: 60.6 ± 12 kg; height: 163.8 ± 6.3 cm).To examine the relationship between playing basketball and physical performance levels, this study included 38 female participants divided into a non-athletic control group (N = 20) and a basketball group (N = 18). To evaluate physical performance, the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Modified Agility T-Test (MAT), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used.

Results: Basketball players demonstrated significantly superior performance in the 10-MWT (Mann-Whitney-test = 1.7, p < .05) and MAT (Mann-Whitney-test = 9.6, p < .001) compared to the non-athletic participants. Furthermore, IPAQ scores were significantly correlated with speed and agility (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Women who regularly played basketball exhibited superior physical activity levels and higher physical performance in speed and agility compared to those who were less active. However, no significant differences between the years of playing and any other variables were found. Nevertheless, these findings seek to contribute valuable insights into the potential benefits of basketball playing among Saudi women.

Fig 1. 10 Meters walking test (10MWT).

Walk from (A) to (B).

Fig 2. Modified Agility Test (MAT).

Sprint in a forward direction from cones (A) to (B); then shuffle to left cone (C) then shuffle to the right cone (D), then shuffle back to cone (B) before running backward to the starting position cone (A).