Changes In Body Composition And Low-Grade Inflammation Status In Boys During A Basketball Afterschool Program For Three Years

Background Exercise practice in childhood is crucial for an optimal growth. However, there is limited evidence on the long-term effects of physical activity on inflammation and metabolism in children. Low-grade inflammation can disrupt development and increase susceptibility to infections and metabolic disorders. In this context, activities like basketball could enhance metabolic health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Objective To assess the benefits of basketball on physical fitness, body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers in healthy children. Methods A basketball training program with 32 week seasons per year was conducted in boys boys aged 8 to 13 years during the school period as an extracurricular activity over three consecutive years. The sessions targeted dribbling, defending, shooting skills, and game tactics, promoting moderate to high-intensity exercises. Measurements were taken at the beginning and end of both the first and third academic years. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT07007624; 06/06/2025). Results The boys showed an expected growth according to their age, with no significant changes in body fat percentage. Significant changes in fat-free mass were observed in specific body areas, particularly an increase in upper and lower limbs. Physical fitness improved significantly across all tests. Inflammatory markers showed significant changes, with increases in PAI-1, resistin and MCP-1 from baseline to the final measurement. Levels of HGF, IL-8, NGF, IL-6 and TNFα levels were higher at the final evaluation. Conclusion Basketball training positively improve body composition and physical fitness in boys. However, the risk of overtraining and its impact on inflammatory status requires further investigation.