Effects of Supervised Strength Training on Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
<b>Objective:</b> Strength training has gained recognition as an effective method to enhance physical fitness in children and adolescents. Its benefits include improvements in muscular strength, aerobic capacity (VO<sub>2</sub>max), and motor performance. However, the diversi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/162 |
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| Summary: | <b>Objective:</b> Strength training has gained recognition as an effective method to enhance physical fitness in children and adolescents. Its benefits include improvements in muscular strength, aerobic capacity (VO<sub>2</sub>max), and motor performance. However, the diversity in training protocols and participant characteristics across studies necessitates a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence. The aim of this paper was to analyse the influence of a strength training programme in young people aged 6 to 16 years on different aspects of physical fitness. <b>Methods:</b> A search was carried out in the EBSCO, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases. A total of 634 articles were reviewed, and 22 were finally included in the meta-analysis of articles published between 2013 and 2023 in English or Spanish. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the AXIS and PEDro tools. Standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The variables that were most frequently repeated as criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of strength training were the following: (1) strength of the lower/upper body muscles; (2) VO<sub>2</sub>max; (3) sprint performance. <b>Results:</b> Strength training interventions produced statistically significant improvements in all analysed variables. Most effective programmes lasted between 6 and 12 weeks, with 2–3 sessions per week. VO<sub>2</sub>max showed the greatest improvement, followed by upper and lower limb strength, and sprint performance. Heterogeneity ranged from low to moderate. <b>Conclusions:</b> Supervised strength training programmes can significantly enhance physical fitness in school-aged children and adolescents. While the included studies varied in design and duration, measurable improvements were commonly observed in interventions lasting at least 6–8 weeks. Future research should explore age- and maturity-related responses through subgroup analyses. Limitations include the exclusion of studies published after 2023 and the wide age range of participants without biological stratification. |
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| ISSN: | 2411-5142 |