# The Benefits of Resistance Training in Youth – What Does the Research Say?

> Previously, strength training was often regarded primarily as a form of exercise for adults, but research has shown that it is also safe and beneficial for young people when carried out correctly and under proper supervision.

## Introduction
In recent years, strength training has taken on an increasingly central role in promoting youth physical activity and well-being. Previously, it was often regarded primarily as a form of exercise for adults, but research has shown that it is also safe and beneficial for young people when carried out correctly and under proper supervision. During adolescence, the development of muscles, bones, and physical capacity forms the foundation for future health and functional ability (Beam, Fakhoury & Myers 2017).

From a physiotherapy perspective, it is important to examine how strength training affects the physical functioning of young people, as it can help prevent musculoskeletal problems, improve performance, and enhance self-confidence. This article is part of a series produced within the course *Professional in Physiotherapy* at Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

## Research Aim and Methodology
The aim of this mini-review was to examine the physical benefits of strength training for adolescents. The research question was: *What are the benefits of resistance training on physical functioning in young people?*

This review evaluated the results of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found via the PubMed database. The research question was structured using the PICO framework:
*   **Population:** Adolescents aged 12–18 years.
*   **Intervention:** Resistance or strength training.
*   **Comparison:** No resistance training.
*   **Outcome:** Physical measures (muscle strength, muscular fitness, body composition, and functional capacity).

## Study Selection Criteria
We selected studies with an RCT design involving healthy adolescents. Inclusion criteria required participants to be aged 10–18 years, with interventions focusing on resistance training (which could be combined with aerobic exercise). Studies were excluded if they were not RCTs, involved participants outside the adolescent age range, included individuals with medical conditions affecting physical functioning, or focused solely on psychological or social effects.

## Findings
Resistance training interventions in adolescents have consistently been shown to improve physical performance, functional capacity, and psychosocial outcomes. 

*   **Performance:** Programs in school settings or targeting overweight youth increased muscle strength, upper body performance, and abdominal endurance (Kennedy et al., 2018; Mendonça et al., 2022; Schranz et al., 2014).
*   **Body Composition:** Combined approaches (resistance and aerobic training) contributed to reductions in body fat percentage and improvements in aerobic fitness (Mendonça et al., 2022).
*   **Psychosocial:** Training enhanced self-confidence and training skills.
*   **Consistency:** Evidence indicates that benefits, particularly regarding self-confidence and functional improvements, may diminish if training is discontinued (Schranz et al., 2014; Kennedy et al., 2018).

According to the PEDro assessment, the methodological quality of the studies was moderate to slightly above average (scores 5–7/10), with the main limitation being a lack of blinding.

## Conclusion and Future Research
Resistance training is an effective way for adolescents to improve muscle strength, muscular fitness, and functional capacity. Combined programs may provide additional benefits for body composition. However, long-term benefits remain under-researched, as effects may diminish without continuous training.

Future research should focus on:
*   Long-term RCTs (over 12 months) monitoring changes in physical functional capacity.
*   The influence of the training environment (school, sports club, home) on outcomes and adherence.
*   Digital support tools and motivational strategies to improve consistency.
*   Long-term follow-ups (2–3 years) to assess the transition of benefits into adulthood.

## Authors
*   **Mikko Happonen**, Physiotherapy student, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
*   **Antti-Jussi Räsänen**, Physiotherapy student, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
*   **Antti Virokannas**, Physiotherapy student, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
*   **Marja Äijö PT, PhD**, Principal lecturer of Gerontology and Rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

## References
*   Beam N, Fakhoury J & Myers A. 2017. Resistance training for children and adolescents. [https://tp.amegroups.org/article/view/14902/15748](https://tp.amegroups.org/article/view/14902/15748)
*   Kennedy SG, et al. 2018. Implementing Resistance Training in Secondary Schools: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Med Sci Sports Exerc. [https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2018/01000/implementing_resistance_training_in_secondary.9.aspx](https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2018/01000/implementing_resistance_training_in_secondary.9.aspx)
*   Mendonça FR, et al. 2022. Effects of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on health-related physical fitness in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. J Exerc Sci Fit. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X22000181?via%3Dihub](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X22000181?via%3Dihub)
*   Physiotherapy Evidence Database. PEDro Scale. 1999. [https://pedro.org.au/english/resources/pedro-scale/](https://pedro.org.au/english/resources/pedro-scale/)
*   Schranz N, et al. 2014. Can resistance training change the strength, body composition and self-concept of overweight and obese adolescent males? A randomised controlled trial. Br J Sports Med. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255954538_Can_resistance_training_change_the_strength_body_composition_and_self-concept_of_overweight_and_obese_adolescent_males_A_randomised_controlled_trial](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255954538_Can_resistance_training_change_the_strength_body_composition_and_self-concept_of_overweight_and_obese_adolescent_males_A_randomised_controlled_trial)