The effects of complex training on performance variables in basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kambitta Valappil, Ibnu Noufal and Parpa, Koulla and Govindasamy, Karuppasamy and Katanic, Borko and Clark, Cain and Elayaraja, Masilamani and Karmakar, Debajit and Băltean, Alexandru Ioan and Forț, Patricia Roxana and Geantă, Vlad Adrian (2025) The effects of complex training on performance variables in basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7. ISSN 2624-9367

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Abstract

Introduction

Basketball requires explosive power, agility and change of direction (CoD) ability. Although often used interchangeably with agility, CoD is distinct: it involves rapid directional changes in response to a pre-planned stimulus, while agility also requires perceptual cognitive responses to unpredictable cues. In this review agility is considered under CoD, emphasizing the physical component that can be directly trained. Improving CoD and power is essential for optimal basketball performance. Complex training (CT), which combines strength and plyometric exercises, has emerged as a promising method. However, its specific effects on basketball player's physical performance variables remain unclear, warranting a focused systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods

A structured search strategy was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines and the PICOS framework. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to identify appropriate Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) relating to CT in basketball players, up to May 2025. Standardised mean differences (SMDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity (I 2 ), sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were assessed using standard methods. Seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis.
Results

Analysing within-group effects following CT demonstrated significant improvements in CoD speed (SMDs: 1.11; 95%CI: 0.56 to 1.66; p < 0.001, I 2 :53), and vertical jump performance (SMDs: −1.44; 95%CI: −2.16 to −0.72; p < 0.001, I 2 :91). However, between-group comparisons (CT vs. active controls) revealed significant improvements only in CoD speed (SMDs: −1.04; 95%CI: −1.61 to −0.47; p < 0.001, I 2 :57) and vertical jump performance (SMDs: 1.01; 95%CI: 0.46 to 1.56; p < 0.001, I 2 :86). Funnel plot analysis indicated moderate asymmetry for CoD speed and clear asymmetry with outliers for vertical jump performance.
Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that CT significantly enhances jump performance and CoD speed in basketball players. This study highlights the efficacy of CT in significantly improving CoD speed and jump performance in basketball players. These findings support its inclusion in athletic conditioning programs and offer valuable insights for coaches and practitioners aiming to optimize sport-specific performance through targeted training interventions.
Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251057718 . PROSPERO (CRD420251057718).

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3389/fspor.2025.1669334
Dates:	Date Event 4 September 2025 Accepted 24 September 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	change of direction speed, jump performance, plyometric, post-ActivationPotentiation, resistance training
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-02 - sport and exercise sciences > CAH03-02-01 - sport and exercise sciences
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	14 Jan 2026 14:15
Last Modified:	14 Jan 2026 14:15
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16803

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