Unilateral versus bilateral resistance training for explosive jump performance, linear sprint speed, and change-of-direction ability in male basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background While both unilateral (UT) and bilateral training (BT) are fundamental for enhancing athletic performance in basketball—a sport demanding high unilateral power and rapid changes of direction (COD)—equivocal evidence and a paucity of consensus exist regarding their comparative effectiveness on key sport-specific metrics. Objective To resolve this ambiguity, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively compare the effects of UT versus BT on measures of explosive power, linear speed, and COD ability in basketball players. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251149484), we systematically searched six databases until September 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving healthy basketball players. Nine RCTs (n=163 males) were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were synthesized using random-effects models in RevMan 5.4.1, calculating weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity (I 2 ) and subgroup analyses were performed. Results UT elicited superior improvements compared to BT in single-leg countermovement jump height (SL-CMJ: WMD = 0.64 cm, 95% CI [0.27, 1.00], p