Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Science
• Physical Therapy
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Limited evidence exists for kettlebell training in primary care settings.
• No authoritative guidelines currently inform clinical practice.
• Scoping review to assess the evidence base for kettlebell interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify the extent, range, and nature of available evidence on kettlebell training.
• Report on evidence types to inform clinical practice.
• Synthesize key concepts and identify research gaps.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a comprehensive literature search across 10 electronic databases.
• Screened 496 records and assessed 170 for eligibility, including 99 publications.
• Narratively synthesized data, assessed effect sizes, and evaluated methodological quality.

Main Results:

• Identified 99 relevant publications, with effect sizes generally trivial to small.
• Few trials focused on clinical populations or 'hardstyle' techniques.
• Included reviews, expert opinions, and case reports of injury.

Conclusions:

• Low methodological quality and underpowered studies limit guidance for primary care.
• Confidence in reported effects is low to very low.
• Further research is warranted, focusing on clinical populations and standardized interventions.