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

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Adolescent Health
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical period for developing lifelong health habits.
• School-based physical activity programs can positively impact adolescent health outcomes.
• Resistance training (RT) is recognized for its benefits on muscular fitness and body composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of two school-based RT programs (free weights vs. elastic tubing) in improving adolescent muscular fitness and body composition.
• To determine the feasibility of implementing these RT programs within a school setting.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 108 adolescents (mean age 15.0 years) was conducted over 8 weeks.
• Participants were assigned to free weights RT, elastic tubing RT, or a control group.
• Measurements included body composition, waist circumference, and muscular strength (bench press, leg press) at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both free weights and elastic tubing RT groups showed significant improvements in body composition for both boys and girls.
• Boys in both RT groups demonstrated superior gains in upper and lower body strength compared to the control group.
• Girls in the free weights group exhibited greater improvements in lower body strength than the control group.

Conclusions:

• School-based resistance training programs utilizing free weights or elastic tubing are effective for enhancing adolescent health-related fitness.
• These RT modalities are feasible for implementation in school environments, offering a viable strategy to improve adolescent physical health.