Training & movement
A · High confidenceWhat strength training does for fitness in children and teens
Subject: Effects of Resistance Training on Physical Fitness in Healthy Children and Adolescents: An Umbrella Review
What this means
Strength training had medium to large effects on muscle strength. Effects on sprinting and agility were small to medium.
Melanie Lesinski, Michael Herz, Alina Schmelcher, Urs Granacher · 2020 · Sports Medicine
What does this rating mean?
Multiple consistent meta-analyses or a position stand. Sufficient basis for a fixed choice in the coaching.
Findings
Resistance training consistently improves muscular strength and, to a smaller degree, muscle power and other fitness components in healthy youth up to 18 years, confirmed across 14 meta-analyses, though highlighting persistent methodological weaknesses and overlapping primary studies.
Who this applies to
Healthy children and adolescents aged 18 or younger.
Size of the research
Fourteen pooled analyses of earlier studies.
What to keep in mind
The included analyses were of low to moderate quality and the evidence was rated low to very low. Less is known about children before puberty and about girls.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Umbrella-level confirmation that resistance training consistently builds strength in youth, with smaller but real benefits for power and other fitness components.
View method and source
Methodology
Evidence overview
Population
14 meta-analyses covering healthy children and adolescents up to 18 years; on average ~28 primary studies and ~847 participants per included meta-analysis
Intervention
Resistance training programmes (including plyometric and combined modalities in some included reviews) vs. control
Outcome measures
Muscle strength, muscle power/vertical jump, linear sprint speed, agility, muscular endurance, body composition, sport-specific performance
Limitations
Substantial overlap of primary studies across the 14 included meta-analyses inflates apparent evidence volume; quality of the underlying primary trials is generally low-to-moderate; heterogeneity in RT definitions across reviews; healthy youth only.
Original source
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01327-3 · PMID: 32757164
View on PubMed →Optimal resistance training prescriptions to improve muscle strength, physical function, and muscle mass in older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Next study →Current evidence shows no influence of women's menstrual cycle phase on acute strength performance or adaptations to resistance exercise training
This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.