Effects of recreational football on body composition, cardiometabolic health, and functional performance in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of recreational football on body composition, cardiometabolic health, and functional performance in children and adolescents. Additionally, it explored potential moderators through subgroup analyses.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in six databases in May 2025. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD, Hedges' g). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 20 studies (N = 2,906; age range: 8-17 years) were included. Of the participants, 1,524 (52.44%) were male, 1,174 (40.40%) were female, and 208 (7.16%) did not clearly report

SUBMITTER: Lei Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855146 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature