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

<b>Background:</b> Adolescent obesity represents a global public health issue, with an urgent need for tailored intervention strategies, particularly in school settings. <b>Objectives:</b> 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. <b>Methods:</b> 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. <b>Results:</b> Assessments revealed significant improvements in the ADAPT + VID group, with notable reductions in BMI (d = 0.25, <i>p</i> < 0.05), enhanced physical fitness (d = 0.19, <i>p</i> = 0.002), and improved performance in passing (d = 1.42, <i>p</i> < 0.001), dribbling (d = 1.30, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and free-throw shooting (d = 0.80, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Moreover, a significant increase in intrinsic motivation (d = 1.18, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and a reduction in amotivation (d = 1.12, <i>p</i> < 0.001) were observed. <b>Conclusions:</b> 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.