Strength and conditioning in adolescent female athletes.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Systematic review of mixed interventional protocols and observational/survey studies
PubMed 29888638 · doi:10.1080/00913847.2018.1486677
What was done
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed and Google Scholar. The review identified and analyzed 7 articles evaluating the effectiveness of strength and conditioning protocols as well as the habits and attitudes of coaches and athletic trainers working with adolescent female athletes.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, pooled effect sizes, or statistical metrics. Qualitatively, it reports that strength and conditioning programs are underutilized in adolescent female athletes due to misconceptions like fear of bulking up. Effective protocols identified in the literature incorporate hip adductor stretching, targeted hamstring, gluteal, and quadriceps strengthening, and synergistic adaptation models based on pubertal stage.
Why it matters
Young female athletes face substantial injury risks that can be mitigated by targeted physical conditioning. This review outlines evidence-based training components while identifying coaching attitudes as a primary implementation barrier.
Limits
The review included only 7 studies, which mixed protocol efficacy with coach attitude assessments. The abstract reports no quantitative meta-analysis, sample sizes, or formal risk-of-bias evaluations.
Cited by
- supports Incorporating resistance training alongside sport-specific training in female teenage athletes improves performance and reduces injury risk.