(1) Background: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the effects of virtual reality (VR) and traditional (TR) physical activity programs, analyzing their impact on the physical, health, and cognitive aspects of participants. The study sought to identify the advantages and limitations of both methods, taking into account previous research and potential areas for future studies. (2) Methods: The study protocol for this systematic review was registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202530015). The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and studies were selected based on their relevance to the research objectives using the PICOS model criteria. The authors applied a meta-analysis in addition to a systematic review to further ensure the accuracy of the results. Primary outcomes included physical and cognitive performance, while secondary outcomes encompassed participant perceptions and psychological effects. (3) Results: The findings indicate that VR training significantly enhances flexibility, motivation, and cognitive abilities, particularly in populations with limited access to traditional exercise methods. The most pronounced effects were observed in programs lasting 8 to 12 weeks with a moderate to high intensity. In contrast, TR showed superiority in developing strength, endurance, and cardiorespiratory functions. (4) Conclusions: VR offers significant benefits as an adjunct or alternative to TR, especially for individuals with limited resources or physical accessibility. However, variations in methodological approaches, short program durations, and sample heterogeneity highlight the need for further longitudinal research. Standardizing VR training duration and intensity is essential to ensure consistent and reliable outcomes.

The aim was to investigate the impact of a specific structured movement activities (SMA) program compared to free play activity (FRP) on the strength, speed, agility, coordination, and balance of motor fitness (MF) in 6-year-old boys and girls. A total of 53 children (24 boys, 29 girls) were randomly allocated to either the SMA group or the FRP group. Both group activities were administered three times a week over a 6-month period. MF variables were assessed before (pre-) and after (post-) using tests: the flamingo balance (FLA), the standing long jump (SLJ), plate tapping (PTT), the obstacle course backwards (OCB), and the shuttle run 4 × 5 m (SRT). At the post-test, the SMA program resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvements in OCB, PTT, SLJ, and SRT tasks. For FRP, a noteworthy improvement was observed only in OCB (ES = 0.45, p < 0.05). An ANCOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction (F = 21.71–52.41, η² = 0.258–0.512, p < 0.01) for OCB, PTT, and SRT, favoring SMA over FRP. The present findings suggest that SMA may be more effective than FRP when aiming to develop motor coordination, agility, and speed of movement in children.

INPLASY202530015 Comparing Virtual and Traditional Physical Activity Programs: Systematic Review Keywords: Effectiveness; Virtual Training; Digital Exercise; Online Fitness; Influence. Read and dow…

(1) Background: Regardless of the level of physical activity, performance monitoring is a valuable component of the training process. The aim of this research was to assess the reliability and sensitivity of parameter measurements using the Enode/Vmaxpro sensor. (2) Methods: Metric characteristics were examined for average velocity, peak velocity, average power, peak power, movement length, and movement duration. Twenty-seven participants (15 men and 12 women) underwent body composition analysis and testing on a combined leg extension/leg curl machine, performing the exercises with each leg individually under a 30% body mass load. Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, and difference analyses were conducted to evaluate repeatability and sensitivity levels. The significance threshold was set at the level 0.05. (3) Results: Reliability parameters were found to be statistically significant, both overall (ICC: 0.937–0.991) and separately for men (ICC: 0.899–0.984) and women (ICC: 0.908–0.990). Sensitivity was confirmed through significant differences based on sex (p = 0.000), activity level (p = 0.000), and movement type (p = 0.000). No statistically significant differences were observed between right and left leg performance. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Enode/Vmaxpro sensor demonstrates sufficient sensitivity and reliability for muscle power testing in biomechanics and sports diagnostics.

(1) Background: Complex training combines weight training and plyometric exercises within one series. This is one of the first systematic reviews to thoroughly investigate the effects of complex training on the motor abilities of male basketball players. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of complex training on the motor abilities of male basketball players; (2) Methods: The study protocol of this systematic review was registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202520116). Papers published from January 2008 to October 2024 were searched digitally using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Google Scholar databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines using the PICOS strategy. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Physical Therapy Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the quality of the included randomized and non-randomized control trials, respectively; (3) Results: The results of this study showed that complex training is an effective method for improving the motor abilities of basketball players. Most studies investigating the effects of complex training have focused on explosive strength, where a positive impact has been demonstrated. In addition, studies show the positive effects of complex training on speed, agility, muscle strength, isometric muscle force, and aerobic endurance; (4) Conclusions: The authors of the study recommend that the most effective programs are 10 weeks long and conducted 2–3 times per week, with at least 48 h of recovery between sessions. For the pre-competition period, it is recommended to perform 3–5 sets of one complex pair; 2–12 repetitions of weight training, (70–95% 1RM); and 5–15 repetitions of plyometric exercises which are performed at maximum intensity. Future researchers in the field of basketball are encouraged to compare the effects of complex training in male and female basketball players or to compare the effects among male basketball players based on age (juniors vs. seniors) and competitive level (amateur vs. elite).

This longitudinal study aimed to examine the in-season variations in morphological, cardiorespiratory, muscular, and motor fitness components in junior male basketball players during an 8-month competitive season. Eighteen male basketball players (16.56 ± 0.90 years) were tested at three time points (T1, T2, T3). Assessed variables included body fat (BF), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), total body water (TBW), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), final running speed in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT), maximum and average heart rate (HRmax, HRavg), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJmax), drop jump (DJ), 20 m sprint with 5 m and 10 m splits, T-test (TT), and Lane Agility Drill (LAD). Significant improvements were observed in body mass (T1–T3, p = 0.002; T2–T3, p = 0.039), along with reductions in BF (T1–T2 and T1–T3, p < 0.05) and increases in FFM and MM (especially T2–T3, p < 0.05). VO₂max increased significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 (p < 0.01), while HRaverage decreased across all intervals (p < 0.001), and HRmax declined slightly from T1 to T3 (p = 0.031). VIFT improved significantly between T1 and both T2 and T3 (p < 0.001). Measures of explosive strength (SJ, CMJmax, DJ) and agility (TT, LAD) showed consistent improvement across the season (p < 0.001), with moderate gains from T2 to T3 (p < 0.01 for SJ). These findings suggest meaningful physical and physiological adaptations during the competitive season, highlighting the importance of structured and continuous training throughout critical phases of athletic development in junior basketball players.