"Integration of Resistance Training into Physical Education Curriculum to Improve Athletic Fitness in School Basketball Players"

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of integrating structured resistance training into the regular physical education curriculum to enhance athletic fitness components in school basketball players. A total of 96 high school basketball players (aged 15-18 years) from eight schools were randomly assigned to four groups (n=24 per group): Group I received integrated resistance training within PE classes plus regular basketball training, Group II participated in traditional PE curriculum with basketball training, Group III engaged in after-school resistance training with regular PE and basketball, and Group IV served as the control group with standard PE and basketball training only. The intervention lasted 20 weeks during the academic year, with PE-integrated resistance training occurring three times weekly during regular class periods.

Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured key athletic fitness components including muscular strength (1RM bench press, squat), power (vertical jump, medicine ball throw), speed (20m sprint), agility (T-test), and basketball-specific skills (shooting accuracy, defensive sliding). Results demonstrated that the PE-integrated resistance training group (Group I) achieved significant improvements across all fitness parameters, with gains comparable to or exceeding the dedicated after-school training group. Vertical jump height increased by 18.7%, squat strength improved by 31.4%, and basketball shooting accuracy enhanced by 22.3% in the integrated training group. These findings indicate that incorporating resistance training into PE curriculum represents a practical and effective strategy for improving athletic fitness in school basketball players while maximizing educational resources and ensuring equitable access to strength training benefits.