Systematic Review on the Role of Basketball Training in Enhancing Physical Fitness Among Primary School Students

Background and Aim: Existing studies have predominantly focused on the general benefits of physical activity or the effects of sports participation in adolescents and adults. Few studies have examined how basketball training influences key components of physical fitness. So, the purpose of this research was to systematically review and analyze existing literature on the influence of basketball training on the physical fitness of primary school students. Materials and Methods: This research employs a mixed-method systematic review approach to explore the impact of basketball training on the physical fitness of primary school students. From a systematic review of research from related research reports, through a rigorous review of studies published between 2015 and 2024, the research underscores the multifaceted benefits of basketball training, which extend beyond physical health to encompass psychological well-being and social skill development there were a total of 109 articles, from the Web of Science (WOS) database 20 reports, research reports from the Scopus database 28 reports, and research reports from the Google Scholar database 61 reports. After using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the PEDro scale to confirm the quality of the articles. Finally, 8 articles were included in the quantitative synthesis. Results: Basketball training has a positive influence on the physical fitness of primary school students, improving balance and coordination through activities like dribbling, jumping, and shooting. It also enhances strength and endurance by boosting muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness. While dynamic flexibility improves, the effect on static flexibility is less clear. The impact on body composition varies, with short-term training showing minimal changes in BMI, but long-term involvement improving lean muscle mass and reducing fat ratios. Beyond physical fitness, basketball also offers psychological benefits by enhancing cognitive functions such as decision-making, spatial awareness, and attention. Additionally, it promotes social skills and teamwork, fostering communication, leadership, and collaboration. Conclusion: Basketball training significantly enhances physical fitness parameters and has positive implications for mental health and social competencies in primary school students. This review highlights the importance of integrating basketball training into educational settings to foster holistic development and counteract the negative impacts of sedentary lifestyles on children's health and well-being.