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

Abstract

ObjectivesTo quantify age, sex, sport and training type-specific effects of resistance training on physical performance, and to characterise dose–response relationships of resistance training parameters that could maximise gains in physical performance in youth athletes.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies.Data sourcesStudies were identified by systematic literature search in the databases PubMed and Web of Science (1985–2015). Weighted mean standardised mean differences (SMDwm) were calculated using random-effects models.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesOnly studies with an active control group were included if these investigated the effects of resistance training in youth athletes (6–18 years) and tested at least one physical performance measure.Results43 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our analyses revealed moderate effects of resistance training on muscle strength and vertical jump performance (SMDwm 0.8–1.09), and small effects on linear sprint, agility and sport-specific performance (SMDwm 0.58–0.75). Effects were moderated by sex and resistance training type. Independently computed dose–response relationships for resistance training parameters revealed that a training period of >23 weeks, 5 sets/exercise, 6–8 repetitions/set, a training intensity of 80–89% of 1 repetition maximum (RM), and 3–4 min rest between sets were most effective to improve muscle strength (SMDwm 2.09–3.40).Summary/conclusionsResistance training is an effective method to enhance muscle strength and jump performance in youth athletes, moderated by sex and resistance training type. Dose–response relationships for key training parameters indicate that youth coaches should primarily implement resistance training programmes with fewer repetitions and higher intensities to improve physical performance measures of youth athletes.

Neuromuscular Training Improves Movement Competency and Physical Performance Measures in 11–13-Year-Old Female Netball Athletes

“…The NMT program used in this study incorporated a small plyometric component with a larger emphasis on resistance training, indicating that the improvements in change of direction speed may have been a combination of both the plyometric and resistance training. Change of direction speed is largely affected by sprinting speed, movement efficiency, and muscular strength (21). The NMT program in this study included resistance training exercises to improve lower-body strength and power with a focus on movement quality and technical efficiency.…”

Effects of 6-Week Resistance Elastic Band Exercise on Functional Performances of 8-9 Year-Old Children

“…Resistance training designed qualitatively and carried out under a professional is an effective strategy for improving physical and psychosocial characteristics of children as well as reducing sports-related injury rates (Faigenbaum and Myer, 2009). The regular resistance training increases muscle strength of children and adolescents (Faigenbaum et al, 1993), motor skills such as jumping (Lesinski et al, 2016) and increases bone development, facilitating weight control (Faigenbaum, 2007;Myer and Wall, 2006), improves body composition (Faigenbaum et al, 2009;Faigenbaum et al, 1993). Besides the known positive effects of resistance exercises on children's health and motor performance is to strengthen the distal and proximal parts of the long bones (such as ulna, femur and tibia ), humerus (Osbahr et al, 2002Reagan et al, 2002), articular cartilage and epiphysis.…”

Effects of Weighted Versus Standard Jump Rope Training on Physical Fitness in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Also, the use of weighted ropes may also have additional advantages that are typically associated with plyometrics, such as improving upper-body strength and coordination for lower-body (7)(8)(17)(18). A recent systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that plyometric training programs have only small to medium-sized effects to improve measures of physical fitness and athletic performance, whereas complex training programs have predominantly larger effects (19). This might indicate that higher loads are needed during training to induce performance gains and could be considered to justify the comparison between weighted and standard jump rope training.…”