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Strength training and physical activity in boys: a randomized trial
Udo Meinhardt1, Fabienne Witassek, Renato Petrò
1Head of the Center for Pediatric Endocrinology Zurich, Moehrlistrasse 69, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland. urs.eiholzer@pezz.ch.
Pediatrics
|November 6, 2013
Summary
Strength training significantly boosts physical activity (PA) in boys, especially less active ones. This intervention may help reverse declining PA levels in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Declining physical activity (PA) in children poses cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks.
- Targeted interventions are needed to improve children's daily PA levels.
- Strength training shows potential for increasing spontaneous PA in prepubertal boys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a 19-week strength training program on spontaneous physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) in schoolchildren.
- To assess changes in muscular strength and body composition following the intervention.
Main Methods:
- 102 schoolchildren (10-14 years) were randomized to physical education or strength training (2x/week for 19 weeks).
- Spontaneous PAEE was measured using accelerometry; strength and body composition were assessed pre- and post-intervention and after washout.
- Data were analyzed to compare changes between groups and identify correlations.
Main Results:
- Boys in the strength training group showed a 10% increase in PAEE (P = .02), while girls did not.
- Both boys and girls demonstrated significant increases in leg and arm strength.
- Less active children exhibited the greatest increase in spontaneous PAEE.
Conclusions:
- Strength training effectively enhances daily spontaneous PA in school-aged boys.
- The intervention's positive effect on PAEE was more pronounced in less active boys.
- While girls improved strength, their PAEE did not increase, possibly due to earlier pubertal development. Strength training is a promising strategy to combat declining PA in schools.
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