# Optimizing athletic engagement and performance of obese students: an adaptive approach through basketball in physical education

## TL;DR

An adapted basketball program improved engagement and performance in obese students compared to standard lessons.

## Contribution

A tailored basketball program in physical education significantly enhanced athletic engagement and performance in obese adolescents.

## Key findings

- The experimental group showed significant improvements in motivation, competence, and reduced exercise difficulty.
- Adapted basketball led to better performance in successful shots and passes compared to the control group.
- Perceived fitness levels increased only in girls from the experimental group.

## Abstract

Obesity in adolescents is associated with reduced physical activity and athletic engagement, highlighting the need for tailored physical education programs. This study evaluated the effects of a 7-week adapted basketball program on the performance and athletic engagement of students with obesity.

Sixty-two students with obesity (23 boys, 39 girls, aged 15-17) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 30; 11 boys, 19 girls) participating in adapted basketball sessions or a control group (CG, n = 32; 12 boys, 20 girls) attending standard basketball lessons. Both groups completed 52-minute sessions twice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included a questionnaire evaluating perceptions of physical education and athletic performance during final matches.

The EG showed significant improvements in interest, motivation (p < 0.05), perceived competence (p < 0.001), and reduced exercise difficulty (p < 0.001). Perceived fitness levels increased significantly only in EG girls (p = 0.013). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the CG before and after the intervention for any of the parameters. During matches, the EG outperformed the CG, with more successful shots (girls: p = 0.0004; boys: p = 0.012), fewer missed shots (girls: p = 0.033; boys: p = 0.046), and more successful passes (p = 0.032, η² = 0.042).

These results demonstrate that adapted physical education programs can serve as effective interventions for improving physical activity and promoting inclusion among adolescents with obesity while also serving as a preventive measure against obesity.