Training & movement
AYouth Resistance Training: Updated Position Statement Paper From the National Strength and Conditioning Association
Avery D Faigenbaum, William J Kraemer, Cameron J R Blimkie, Ian Jeffreys, Lyle J Micheli, Mike Nitka, Thomas W Rowland · 2009 · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
REZA evidence rating A: High confidence
Methodology
Position stand
Population
Children and adolescents; the statement notes that children as young as 5-6 years can benefit from and safely participate in supervised resistance training
Intervention
Supervised, age-appropriate resistance training (bodyweight, machines, free weights, medicine balls, elastic bands) with qualified instruction
Findings
Supervised, appropriately designed resistance training is safe and effective for children and adolescents, does not harm growth or damage growth plates, and can enhance strength, motor skills, bone health and sport performance while reducing sports-injury risk. Technique mastery precedes load progression, and maximal lifts are avoided in inexperienced youth.
Outcome measures
Muscular strength and power, motor skill performance, body composition, bone health, injury risk/injury prevention, psychosocial wellbeing, safety/injury incidence
Limitations
Expert consensus rather than systematic review; no formal grading of evidence strength; published 2009 so does not incorporate the last 15 years of youth RT trials; partly superseded by the 2016 NSCA long-term athletic development position statement.
Original source
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31819df407 · PMID: 19620931
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