Combined strength and jump training improved basketball movement tests
A trial review found gains in directional speed and jumping, with considerable variation across studies and no reported estimate of on-court benefit.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across randomized trials in basketball players, combining strength and plyometric exercises improved planned change-of-direction speed and vertical jumping compared with active controls. These are physical performance measures; the abstract does not establish better game performance. Variation across studies means the pooled result should not be read as a predictable gain for every player.
This abstract-based account cannot assess individual training protocols or trial quality. Reported variation and funnel-plot asymmetry limit confidence in how consistently players would benefit.
What researchers found
Change-of-direction speed
Complex training versus active controls; program duration not reported. SMD denotes a standardized mean difference, not a percentage or change in seconds.
What the movement test captures
The review focused on change of direction as a physical skill. Unlike reacting to an unexpected cue, this outcome concerns planned directional changes, so it does not capture every aspect of basketball agility.
Why the pooled result varies
Jump performance also improved in comparisons with active controls. However, results varied substantially across studies, especially for jumping, and the funnel plots were asymmetric, which adds uncertainty to the pooled findings.
The original publication
The effects of complex training on performance variables in basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Kambitta Valappil IN, Parpa K, Govindasamy K et al.
Front Sports Act Living · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41069651
- Record checked
Linked publication notices
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.