Youth resistance training: updated position statement paper from the national strength and conditioning association.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Expert consensus position statement and narrative literature review (Oxford CEBM Level 5).
PubMed 19620931 · doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31819df407
What was done
An expert panel comprising exercise scientists, physicians, and physical education specialists conducted a narrative review of scientific literature to update the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) position statement on youth resistance training. The review addresses four main areas: potential risks and concerns, health and fitness benefits, required volume and types of resistance training, and program design considerations for children (preadolescents) and adolescents.
What was found
The abstract provides background context and scope definitions but presents no quantitative data or specific numerical outcome estimates. It reports that youth resistance training offers health, fitness, and performance benefits when properly supervised and prescribed according to age-specific guidelines.
Why it matters
This statement provides authoritative, updated clinical and practical consensus guidelines endorsing the safety and efficacy of supervised resistance exercise for youth.
Limits
The abstract is an introductory narrative statement without quantitative outcomes, systematic search criteria, explicit inclusion/exclusion metrics, or quality assessment of the referenced studies. Findings rely on narrative expert synthesis rather than a formal meta-analysis.
Cited by
- supports There is no scientific evidence that resistance training in children stunts growth or damages epiphyseal plates.