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Strength training in children and adolescents
1Center for Sports Medicine, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, California.
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Strength training can help children and adolescents gain muscle strength, improving athletic performance and reducing overuse injuries. While risks exist, proper guidelines minimize potential harm, making it a beneficial activity when supervised.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Strength is crucial for daily activities and athletic performance in children and adolescents.
- Strength training, using progressive resistance, aims to increase muscular force.
- Concerns exist regarding potential risks like joint injuries and hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits and risks of strength training in children and adolescents.
- To provide guidelines for safe and effective strength training programs.
- To understand the impact of strength training on athletic performance and injury prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric strength training.
- Analysis of potential medical concerns and injury rates.
- Formulation of evidence-based recommendations for training.
Main Results:
- Appropriate strength training can lead to significant strength gains in young individuals.
- The incidence of serious injury is likely low, comparable to other youth sports.
- Adherence to guidelines can effectively minimize injury risk and severity.
Conclusions:
- Strength training is a viable and beneficial activity for children and adolescents when conducted properly.
- Benefits include enhanced athletic capabilities and reduced risk of overuse injuries.
- It is essential to follow established safety guidelines to mitigate potential risks.