Effects of a 12-Week Structured Badminton Intervention on Smartphone Addiction Among Adolescents

The global surge in smartphone addiction (SA) represents a critical biopsychosocial risk for adolescents. This study evaluated the efficacy of a 12-week structured badminton intervention in alleviating SA among high school students and explored the psychosocial mechanisms underlying behavioral change using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Thirty adolescents were randomized into experimental (n=15) and control groups (n=15). The experimental group participated in an "open-skill" badminton program (6 sessions/week, 120-150 min/session) for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their routine lifestyle. Data were collected via the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and semi-structured interviews. Statistical analysis included paired/independent t-tests and ANCOVA, followed by inductive thematic analysis of qualitative data. Quantitative findings revealed a highly significant reduction in SA levels within the experimental group (Mpre = 32.27 ± 10.25 vs. Mpost = 24.93 ± 7.13, p\

Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents aged 14-18 years. * Enrollment in a secondary/high school institution. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, or medical condition that would prevent participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. * Current participation in a structured competitive sports training program.