Effects of Sports App-Based Interventions on Physical Fitness Outcomes among Adolescents and University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Sports apps are increasingly used to promote physical activity and support physical education among students. However, their effects on different dimensions of physical fitness and the factors influencing intervention effectiveness remain unclear. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effects of sports app-based interventions on multiple dimensions of physical fitness among adolescents and students and to examine whether intervention duration, exercise frequency, intensity, and session duration influence intervention effects. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, six databases were systematically searched through June 20, 2026. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed, and meta-analyses and subgroup analyses were performed. Results Twenty moderate-quality studies involving 3,268 adolescents and University students were included. Interventions lasted 6-24 weeks, with 2-7 sessions per week and 20-80 minutes per session. Sports app interventions significantly reduced BMI (MD = -0.41, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.07) and improved cardiorespiratory endurance (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.35 to 1.35), male pull-ups (MD = 0.74, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.28), female sit-ups (MD = 1.99, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.86), male 1000-m run time (MD = -13.44 s, 95% CI -25.14 to -1.74), female 800-m run time (MD = -9.02 s, 95% CI -13.40 to -4.64), and sit-and-reach performance (MD = 2.01 cm, 95% CI 0.91 to 3.10). Significant subgroup differences by intervention duration were found for cardiorespiratory endurance (P = 0.03) and flexibility (P = 0.01), but no subgroup differences in body mass index were found across the intervention characteristics examined. Conclusions Sports app interventions can improve multiple dimensions of students physical fitness, although current evidence is insufficient to establish an optimal intervention dose. Further high-quality studies need to clarify dose-response relationships and optimize intervention procedures.