Effects of Resistance Training in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-analysis

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Population

Healthy children and adolescents younger than 18 years, prepubertal and postpubertal, from randomized and non-randomized controlled trials

Intervention

Resistance training vs. control in youth; randomized and non-randomized controlled trials

Findings

Resistance training produced a large, statistically significant increase in muscle strength in children and adolescents. Strength gains increased with age and maturational status, with no noticeable boost during puberty, contradicting the idea of a pubertal 'window' for trainability. Longer study duration and higher training frequency/number of sets were associated with larger effects.

Outcome measures

Muscle strength (muscle endurance and motor performance tests such as vertical jump were deliberately excluded)

Limitations

Included non-randomized controlled trials alongside RCTs, increasing bias risk; number of included studies/participants not stated in the retrievable record; strength outcomes only; published 2010, so a large body of subsequent youth RT trials is not represented.

Original source

DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0445 · PMID: 20974785