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Multidimensional effects of a school-based martial arts intervention on physical fitness, executive function, and psychological resilience in adolescents: a quasi-experimental study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which physical fitness, executive function, and psychological resilience are closely interconnected. School-based martial arts training may provide a multidimensional intervention approach by combining physical exercise, cognitive engagement, self-regulation, and psychosocial development. This study examined the effects of a 12-week school-based martial arts intervention on physical fitness, executive function, psychological resilience, self-regulation, and perceived stress among adolescents. Methods A quasi-experimental repeated-measures design was adopted. A total of 120 adolescents aged 13–16 years from three middle schools in Nanchang, China, were allocated into three groups: School-Based Martial Arts Training Group (SMATG; n = 40), Traditional Physical Education Group (TPEG; n = 40), and Control Group (CG; n = 40). The intervention was conducted three times per week for 60 min per session over 12 weeks. Outcome variables included agility, dynamic balance, muscular power, cardiorespiratory endurance, inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, psychological resilience, self-regulation, and perceived stress. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using Mixed MANOVA and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons. Results Significant Group × Time interaction effects were found across all physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes ( p < 0.001). Compared with the TPEG and CG, the SMATG showed greater improvements in agility, dynamic balance, standing broad jump performance, Estimated VO₂peak, inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, psychological resilience, and self-regulation, as well as greater reductions in perceived stress. Moderate-to-large effect sizes were observed across multidimensional outcomes. Conclusion The findings suggest that structured school-based martial arts training may be a promising approach for supporting multiple physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in adolescents.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1891636

Authors: Yuanyuan Ma, Jun Liang

Institutions: Henan Finance University, Jiangxi University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Nanchang Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801