Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Body Composition in Korean Students With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Background This meta‐analysis examined the effects of physical activity interventions on body composition among students with intellectual disabilities in Korea and whether intervention characteristics explained differences in effects. Methods A total of 21 studies yielding 76 effect sizes were synthesized using a multilevel random‐effects meta‐analysis with a correlated and hierarchical effects model and CR2 robust variance estimation. Results Physical activity interventions produced a significant small‐to‐moderate positive effect on body composition (Hedges' g = 0.403, 95% CI = [0.209–0.597], p < 0.001), with significant heterogeneity. Categorical and continuous moderators were nonsignificant. Sensitivity analyses supported the positive effect, although the RCT‐specific estimate was less precise and heterogeneous. GRADE certainty was low for both RCT and non‐randomized evidence. Conclusions Physical activity appears beneficial for body composition, but the low certainty of evidence and lack of significant moderators preclude identification of a consistently superior intervention profile. Further rigorous research is needed to clarify optimal intervention characteristics.