Effects of a 9-Month School-Based Basketball Intervention on Physical Fitness and Cardiometabolic Health in Prepubertal Boys

Objectives: This study aimed to assess changes in anthropometric measures, cardiometa-bolic markers, and physical fitness following a structured basketball training program in prepubertal boys. Methods: The intervention consisted of a 6-week pre-season phase fol-lowed by a 32-week basketball training season, conducted during the academic year. Training sessions were held three times per week at moderate to vigorous intensity and a weekly match. The program was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT07007624). Results: Seventeen boys completed the program and were assessed at baseline, 6, 9, and 12 months. A reference group of boys was evaluated at baseline for comparison. At baseline, there were no significant differences in physical fitness between groups. After nine months, participants in the intervention showed significant improve-ments in fitness tests, including the Course Navette (p < 0.001), horizontal jump (p = 0.001), and abdominal test (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Anthropometric assessments revealed increases in fat-free mass in the trunk and lower limbs, along with maintenance of a nor-mal BMI. These findings suggest that a structured, school-based basketball program may enhance physical fitness and improve body composition in healthy prepubertal boys.