Resistance Training for Healthy Children

(B-STRONG Trial)

Overseen By James I Maynard, MSc

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brock University

Must not be taking: Muscle function drugs

Disqualifiers: Recent injuries, Competitive sports, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 30

Duration: 12 weeks

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to better understand how resistance training (strength exercises) enhances muscle strength in children. Researchers seek to observe how muscles and nerves collaborate to increase strength after 12 weeks of resistance training. Children will either engage in resistance training twice a week or maintain their usual physical activities. A suitable candidate for this trial is a healthy child who has not participated in strength training or competitive sports more than twice a week in the past six months and can exercise without restrictions. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to contribute to valuable research on physical development.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Participants must not have taken any medications in the past year that could affect muscle function, so you may need to stop certain medications to be eligible.

What prior data suggests that resistance training is safe for children?

Research has shown that strength training is generally safe for children and teens. One study found that kids who lifted weights following proper guidelines faced a low risk of injury. Another study with 96 children using weight machines showed no increase in injuries. Experts state that kids can safely lift light weights if they maintain good form. Overall, strength training is effective and safe for young people when done correctly. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores resistance training as a beneficial physical activity for healthy children. Unlike typical physical education classes or recreational sports, this study focuses on structured resistance training, which involves exercises like lifting weights or using resistance bands to build strength. This method can potentially enhance physical fitness, improve muscle strength, and encourage lifelong healthy habits. By examining the impact of resistance training, researchers hope to uncover new insights into promoting better health and physical development among children.

What evidence suggests that resistance training is effective for increasing muscle strength in children?

Research shows that resistance training (RT) effectively builds strength in children. Studies have found that kids can increase their strength by 30% to 50% after just 8 to 12 weeks of a well-planned program. This trial will compare a resistance training program, conducted twice a week for 12 weeks, with a control group continuing their habitual physical activity. This type of exercise not only strengthens muscles but also enhances overall fitness and movement skills. Additionally, RT helps prevent injuries and boosts sports performance. Strong evidence indicates that RT is safe and beneficial for young people when done correctly. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bareket Falk, PhD

Principal Investigator

Brock University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy children and adolescents interested in resistance training. Participants will be assessed to understand how their muscles get stronger from the training. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided, so generally healthy individuals willing to commit to a 12-week program may apply.

Inclusion Criteria

Healthy and able to exercise

Exclusion Criteria

Have performed resistance training in the past 6 months or currently participate in competitive sports (i.e., outside of school) more than 2x/week

I have taken medication that could affect my muscle function in the last year.

I have had injuries or conditions that affect my muscle function.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Familiarization

Participants complete questionnaires and are familiarized with the muscular strength/contraction tests

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo 12 weeks of resistance exercise training, with twice weekly sessions focusing on lower body exercises

12 weeks

24 visits (in-person)

Mid-intervention Assessment

Participants undergo mid-intervention testing to assess muscular strength and body measures

1 week

2 visits (in-person)

Post-intervention Assessment

Participants undergo post-intervention testing to assess muscular strength, body measures, and blood flow regulation

1 week

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Resistance Training

Trial Overview The study tests how resistance training over 12 weeks affects muscle strength in kids compared with those who don't train. It looks at muscle growth (using ultrasound) and nerve activity (with surface electromyography) to see what changes contribute most to strength gains.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Training Active Control 1 Intervention

resistance training, 12 weeks, 2 times per week

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

continue with habitual physical activity

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brock University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

41

Recruited

6,500+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8883214/

The effectiveness of resistance training in children. A meta- ... The majority of the studies showed a gain in strength between 13 and 30%. The overall mean effect size was found to be 0.57. This signifies that following ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3445252/

Strength Training in Children and Adolescents Results: Children can improve strength by 30% to 50% after just 8 to 12 weeks of a well-designed strength training program. Youth need to ...

3. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/5/623

Strength Training in Children: A Systematic Review Study The results suggest that strength training with elementary school students improves physical and motor performance variables, as well as cognitive, ...

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-020-01327-3

Effects of Resistance Training on Physical Fitness in ... This umbrella review proved the effectiveness of RT in youth on a high evidence level. The magnitude of effects varies according to the respective outcome ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0949328X20301903

Performance - and health-related benefits of youth ... Youth resistance training improves muscle strength, power, speed, movement skills, and injury prevention. It enhances muscular fitness and is safe when ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3483033/

Resistance training among young athletes: safety, efficacy ... Current research findings indicate a relatively low risk of injury in children and adolescents who follow age-appropriate resistance training guidelines, which ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5532191/

Resistance training for children and adolescents - PMC One study looked at 96 children doing one rep max training with weight machines and found there was no increased risk of injury (29). Another study evaluated ...

8. mayoclinic.org mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/strength-training/art-20047758

Strength training: OK for kids? Keep it light. Kids can safely lift light adult-size weights. Children can try to do one or two sets of 8 to 12 repetitions with good form. If ...

9. publications.aap.org publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/121/4/835/70927/Strength-Training-by-Children-and-Adolescents

Strength Training by Children and Adolescents | Pediatrics Although research supports the safety and efficacy of resistance training for children, it is not necessary or appropriate for every child.