Effects of a 12-Week Basketball Training Program on Health-Related Quality of Life in University Students

Amid growing concerns over the multifaceted health challenges faced by university students, this study investigated the effects of a 12-week structured basketball training program on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and examined how these effects differ based on students' baseline physical activity levels. A total of 162 undergraduates were stratified into four groups—sedentary, underactive, insufficiently active, and active—based on initial activity assessments. The intervention consisted of supervised, twice-weekly sessions combining basketball-specific skills and high-intensity interval training. HRQoL was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results revealed a differential impact: the underactive group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in general health, vitality, mental health, and the mental component summary score. In contrast, the active group maintained high baseline scores without significant gains, suggesting a ceiling effect, while the sedentary and insufficiently active groups showed limited changes. These findings indicate that structured basketball training is particularly effective in enhancing psychosocial dimensions of HRQoL for students who are underactive at baseline. The study advances the understanding of targeted physical activity interventions by highlighting the importance of baseline stratification, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. It provides empirical support for implementing tailored team-sport programs as a strategic campus health initiative to improve student well-being.