Training & movement
B · Reasonable confidenceLong-term athletic development in youth: NSCA position
Subject: National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Long-Term Athletic Development
What this means
An NSCA expert group summarised existing literature and practice in 10 pillars. All young people are viewed as athletes and deserve an individualised, child-centred approach.
Rhodri S Lloyd, John B Cronin, Avery D Faigenbaum, G Gregory Haff, Rick Howard, William J Kraemer, Lyle J Micheli, Gregory D Myer, Jon L Oliver · 2016 · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
What does this rating mean?
A solid systematic review with caveats, or consistent indications with a limited scope.
Findings
All youth should be viewed as 'athletes' and afforded opportunities to enhance athleticism in an individualised, holistic and child-centred manner; appropriately prescribed exercise programmes promote physical development, prevent injury and build fitness behaviours retained into later life. Early one-sport specialisation is explicitly rejected as a default model.
Who this applies to
Children and adolescents, whether in organised sport or recreational physical activity.
Size of the research
No original study with participants; a synthesis of existing literature by an author team.
What to keep in mind
This is an expert position approved by the NSCA Board. The abstract reports no measurements or participant numbers.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Supports REZA's philosophy on youth training: broad, child-centred development rather than early specialisation in a single sport.
View method and source
Methodology
Position stand
Population
All children and adolescents, described as having unique physical, psychological and social characteristics; both athletic and non-athletic youth
Intervention
Long-term athletic development (LTAD) pathways: appropriately prescribed, individualised, holistic and child-centred exercise programmes including resistance training, motor skill and physical literacy development
Outcome measures
Physical development, athleticism, physical literacy, injury prevention, lifelong physical activity behaviours
Limitations
Consensus position statement without systematic review methodology or formal evidence grading; recommendations are principle-based rather than dose-specific; no risk-of-bias assessment.
Original source
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001387 · PMID: 26933920
View on PubMed →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.