Adapted Basketball Training Improves Fitness and Motivation in Adolescents with Moderate Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Adolescent obesity represents a global public health issue, with an urgent need for tailored intervention strategies, particularly in school settings. Objectives: This study investigated the impact of adapted basketball training-with and without video summaries-on BMI, fitness, motivation, and technical skills in adolescents with moderate obesity. Methods: Fifty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three instructional modalities-a modified basketball program enriched with video summaries (ADAPT + VID), a modified program without videos (ADAPT), and a traditional program (CONT)-and completed an eight-week intervention. Before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention, participants in all three groups underwent testing to assess: (i) anthropometric measurements (BMI), (ii) technical accuracy (passing, dribbling, and shooting), (iii) physical fitness using the Intermittent Fitness Test 15-15 (Spartacus Test), and (iv) motivation using the Situational Motivation Scale. Results: Assessments revealed significant improvements in the ADAPT + VID group, with notable reductions in BMI (d = 0.25, p < 0.05), enhanced physical fitness (d = 0.19, p = 0.002), and improved performance in passing (d = 1.42, p < 0.001), dribbling (d = 1.30, p < 0.001), and free-throw shooting (d = 0.80, p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant increase in intrinsic motivation (d = 1.18, p < 0.001) and a reduction in amotivation (d = 1.12, p < 0.001) were observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that incorporating pedagogical video summaries into an adapted basketball program may effectively improve physical health, motor skills, and motivation among adolescents with moderate obesity.

Keywords: basketball training; motivation; obesity; physical fitness; video-based instruction.

Figure 3

Body Mass Index (BMI) measured before (T0) and after intervention (T1) for the three groups: Control, ADAPT, and ADAPT + VID. ** p < 0.001; * p < 0.05 by Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Figure 1

Flow-chart of study.

Figure 2

Diagram of the passing test setup, illustrating the key components: targets labeled A through F; Camera A aimed at the targets to capture pass accuracy, and Camera B positioned to record movement duration. Modified by [37].

Figure 4

Physical Fitness measured before (T0) and after intervention (T1) for the three groups: Control, ADAPT, and ADAPT + VID. ** p < 0.001; * p < 0.05 by Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Figure 5

Changes in passing performance measured before (T0) and after intervention (T1) for the three groups: Control, ADAPT, and ADAPT + VID. A significant main effect of time and a significant group × time interaction was observed. ** p < 0.001; * p < 0.05 by Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Figure 6

Changes in Free Throw Performance before (T0) and after intervention (T1) for the three groups: Control, ADAPT, and ADAPT + VID. A significant main effect of time and a significant group × time interaction was observed. * p < 0.05 by Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Figure 7

Changes in Dribbling Performance before (T0) and after intervention (T1) for the three groups: Control, ADAPT, and ADAPT + VID. A significant main effect of time and a significant group × time interaction was observed. ** p < 0.001; * p < 0.05 by Bonferroni post hoc tests.