Effects and dose-response relationships of resistance training on physical performance in youth athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Population

43 intervention studies in youth athletes aged 6-18 y, both sexes, all with active control groups

Intervention

Resistance training (various modalities and dosages) vs. active control in youth athletes

Findings

Resistance training produced moderate improvements in muscle strength and vertical jump, and small improvements in linear sprint, agility and sport-specific performance in youth athletes, with girls showing larger sport-specific gains. Training periods over 23 weeks, 5 sets per exercise, 6-8 reps per set, 80-89% 1RM intensity, and 3-4 min inter-set rest were most effective for maximal strength.

Outcome measures

Maximal muscle strength, vertical jump performance, linear sprint, agility/change of direction, sport-specific performance

Limitations

Only 4 of 43 included studies were rated low risk of bias; dose-response relationships computed independently per training variable; youth athletes only, limiting generalisation to untrained or non-sporting youth; wide age band pools very different maturational stages.

Original source

DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095497 · PMID: 26851290