Effects of resistance training on metabolic fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Abstract

SummaryThe majority of resistance training (RT) research with children to date has focused on pre-adolescents and the safety and efficacy of this type of training rather than the potential metabolic health benefits. Our objectives, using computerized databases, were (i) to systematically review studies utilizing RT interventions with children and adolescents < 18 years; (ii) to investigate the metabolic health outcomes (adiposity, lipids, insulin, glucose) associated with RT; (iii) to provide recommendations for future investigations. A total of 12 studies met the review criteria. There is only a small amount of evidence that children and adolescents may derive metabolic health-related adaptations from supervised RT. However, methodological limitations within the body of this literature make it difficult to determine the optimal RT prescription for metabolic fitness in children and adolescents, and the extent and duration of such benefits. More robustly designed single modality randomized controlled trials utilizing standardized reporting and precise outcome assessments are required to determine the extent of health outcomes attributable solely to RT and to enable the development of evidence-based obesity prevention and treatment strategies in this cohort.

What is the best moment to apply phototherapy when associated to a strength training program? A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

“…The benefits of strength training have been studied across a variety of health conditions and age populations with the aim of improving physical fitness and quality of life [1][2][3][4][5]. Considered to be an essential component of rehabilitation, strength training has now been incorporated into preventive programs to reduce financial costs related to absence of employees in work, prevent injuries, and improve athletic performance in sports settings [6].…”

The effect of high-intensity progressive resistance training on adiposity in children: a randomized controlled trial

“…Although resistance training is endorsed for use with this age group by many national bodies, [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] specific prescription for metabolic health is somewhat speculative as there are limited robustly designed studies on which efficacy can be defined. 51 Resistance training with children and adolescents has almost always been prescribed as an adjunct to aerobic training and/or dietary intervention and very often delivered using low-moderate intensity as circuit-based training. Randomized trials that draw the control and treatment groups from the same cohort and have resistance training as a single modality are extremely limited.…”

Exercise adherence and intervention effects of two school-based resistance training programs for adolescents

“…increased body fat and reduced lean mass) among adult populations (Villareal et al, 2005) emphasize the importance of engaging individuals in RT to improve body composition and muscular fitness from an early age. While RT with free weights is known to improve health-related and metabolic fitness in adolescents (Benson et al, 2008b, Faigenbaum, 2000, less is known regarding the feasibility and efficacy of elastic tubing/stretch bands in youth. Elastic tubing/stretch bands have typically been used for rehabilitative purposes (Damush andDamush, 1999, Krebs et al, 1998) rather than for fitness training, although there is some evidence to suggest that training programs involving elastic bands or tubing increase muscle strength in adults (Mikesky et al, 1994, Page et al, 1993.…”