Resistance Exercise for Healthy Children

(Strength-Lip Trial)

No longer recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Trent J Herda

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Neuromuscular, Musculoskeletal, Metabolic, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how resistance exercise, such as weight training, affects children's muscle strength, power, and overall health. It compares children engaging in resistance exercises with those who do not, examining differences in muscle function and cholesterol levels. The trial seeks healthy children aged 8 to 10 with no history of muscle or nerve diseases. Children fitting this description and interested in exercise have a great opportunity to participate. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique chance for children to contribute to important research on exercise and health.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

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

Research shows that resistance exercise is generally safe for children when done correctly. Studies have found that kids and teens face a low risk of injury if they follow age-appropriate guidelines. When exercises are suitable for their age and performed properly, children can gain significant benefits. These exercises strengthen muscles, help prevent sports injuries, and improve bone strength. With proper supervision, resistance training is well-tolerated and offers many benefits for young participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about resistance exercise training for children because it offers a proactive approach to improving health and fitness without relying on medications or supplements. Unlike traditional treatments that might focus on diet or aerobic exercise, resistance training specifically targets muscle strength, which can enhance overall physical development and support long-term health benefits. This method is particularly appealing because it can be tailored to individual needs and has the potential to boost confidence and motivation in young participants.

What evidence suggests that resistance exercise training is effective for improving muscle strength and power in children?

Research shows that strength training, offered in this trial as resistance exercise training, can significantly increase muscle strength in children. Studies have found that such programs can boost children's strength by 13% to 30%. This training also enhances movement by improving physical skills. Additionally, it strengthens bones, which is crucial during growth. Overall, strong evidence supports the benefits of strength training for children. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy children aged 8 to 10 years who are interested in participating in an 8-week strength training program. The study aims to understand how this exercise affects muscle strength, power, and fat content within muscles.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy child aged 8 to 10.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have any neuromuscular diseases.

I do not have any diseases that affect my metabolism.

I have no history of bone or muscle injuries.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 8 weeks of resistance exercise training, 3 days per week, to assess effects on muscle strength, power, and lipid profiles

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in muscle cross-sectional area, motor unit activation, and lipid profiles after the intervention

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Resistance exercise training

Trial Overview The intervention being studied is resistance exercise training conducted three times a week over the course of eight weeks. Researchers will monitor changes in muscle strength, motor skills, and lipid profiles within a specific leg muscle called the vastus lateralis.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Resistance exercise training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Kansas Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

527

Recruited

181,000+

National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

110+

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Collaborator

Published Research Related to This Trial

Resistance training is recognized as a safe and effective exercise for improving muscular strength and body composition in children and adolescents, particularly when a sufficient exercise stimulus is applied.

Current research on resistance training in obese adolescents is limited by small sample sizes and short-duration studies, highlighting the need for more comprehensive investigations to better understand its effects on this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of resistance exercise training in obese adolescents. Alberga, AS., Sigal, RJ., Kenny, GP.[2011]

Regular resistance training for children and adolescents can enhance muscular strength, improve body composition, promote bone health, and reduce the risk of sports-related injuries.

Effective pediatric resistance training programs should be well-designed and supervised by qualified professionals to ensure they meet the unique physical and psychosocial needs of young athletes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pediatric resistance training: benefits, concerns, and program design considerations. Faigenbaum, AD., Myer, GD.[2022]

Resistance training is increasingly recognized as a vital component of physical education and fitness programs for youth, addressing health issues related to inactivity and obesity.

The updated policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the safety and benefits of resistance training for both athletes and nonathletes, highlighting the need for effective implementation in youth fitness regimens.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance Training for Children and Adolescents. Stricker, PR., Faigenbaum, AD., McCambridge, TM.[2020]

Resistance training is a safe and effective method for conditioning children and adolescents, supported by extensive evidence since 1989.

Incorporating resistance training into youth fitness programs is crucial for developing muscular strength and motor skills, which are essential for confident participation in various physical activities and sports later in life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Youth resistance training: past practices, new perspectives, and future directions. Faigenbaum, AD., Lloyd, RS., Myer, GD.[2019]

A systematic review of 12 studies indicates that while there is some evidence suggesting children and adolescents can gain metabolic health benefits from supervised resistance training, the evidence is limited and not definitive.

The current research has methodological limitations, highlighting the need for better-designed randomized controlled trials to accurately assess the effects of resistance training on metabolic health in young populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of resistance training on metabolic fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Benson, AC., Torode, ME., Fiatarone Singh, MA.[2018]

Strength training can be safe and beneficial for children and adolescents when properly supervised and tailored to their developmental level, helping to improve strength, coordination, and overall fitness.

The review emphasizes the importance of pediatricians providing informed guidance on strength training programs, addressing both potential risks and the positive impacts on physical health and athletic performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strength training by children and adolescents. Bernhardt, DT., Gomez, J., Johnson, MD., et al.[2019]

Children can achieve voluntary strength gains through resistance training, but exercise programs must be tailored specifically for their developmental needs, using lighter weights (greater than 6 repetitions maximum).

Longer resistance training programs (10-20 weeks) are more effective for strength adaptations, and with proper supervision, the risk of injury is low, potentially providing protective benefits for young athletes in sports.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance Training and Youth. Kraemer, WJ., Fry, AC., Frykman, PN., et al.[2023]

Resistance training significantly improves strength and has a small to moderate positive effect on body composition in overweight and obese children and adolescents, based on a systematic review of 40 studies.

The impact of resistance training on psychosocial outcomes remains unclear due to limited studies and inconclusive results, indicating a need for further research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What is the effect of resistance training on the strength, body composition and psychosocial status of overweight and obese children and adolescents? A Systematic review and meta-analysis. Schranz, N., Tomkinson, G., Olds, T.[2022]

Citations

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

Resistance training for children and adolescents - PMC Proper RT programs have a plethora of associated benefits including increased strength, lower rates of sports-related injury, increased bone strength index (BSI) ...

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

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

3. 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 ...

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. publications.aap.org publications.aap.org/journal-blogs/blog/2749/Don-t-Resist-Resistance-and-Strength-Training-in

Don't Resist Resistance and Strength Training in Children It is worth noting that overweight or obese children are far more likely to enjoy and experience success with resistance training than with ...

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

Strength training: OK for kids? Strength training offers kids many benefits, but there are important warnings to keep in mind. Here's what you need to know about youth strength training.

8. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-025-02240-3

The Era of Resistance Training as a Primary Form ... Their findings revealed a significant decrease in the rate of PA-related injuries, particularly notable among the least physically active ...