Objectives: (1) the acute effects of RWU on physical performance, body temperature (BT), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in basketball players; and (2) individual-level performance improvements across different RWU methods. Methods: Three databases were searched for RWU studies in basketball players. An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted using a two-stage approach with multilevel models, including adjustments for small sample sizes. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean changes (SMC) for within-group comparisons and standardized mean differences (SMD) for between-group comparisons. Results: Seven studies (n = 82; 35 females, 47 males) were included, with individual raw data obtained from three. Compared with the control condition, the RWU resulted in better preservation of jumping (SMD = 0.64) and change-of-direction (COD) performance (SMD = -0.83), while showing no significant differences in isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force (SMD = 0.34), BT (SMD = 0.72), or RPE (SMD = 0.61). These effects were largely driven by greater declines in the control than in the RWU for jumping (SMC = -1.24 vs. -0.53), COD (SMC = 1.00 vs. 0.44), and IMTP peak force (SMC = -0.68 vs. -0.28). Across five interventions from three studies with individual data, the plyometric protocol showed the highest proportion of improvements (CMJ: 100%; COD: 93.3%) compared with the control condition. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that RWU may be an effective strategy to maintain physical performance and BT in basketball players. However, given the limited number of studies and the high degree of individual variability, further research is required.
© Copyright 2026 Frontiers in Physiology. Frontiers Media. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.