Strength and conditioning programs in youth athletes: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose The relationship between strength, power, and sports performance may have long-term effects on the development pathways of youth athletes. This study systematically reviewed the current evidence of strength and conditioning interventions among youngsters in competitive sports. Methods The research was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Results A total of 415 articles were identified, and 20 remained for analysis. All studies reported resistance training (RT) and/or plyometric training (PT) interventions as beneficial to improving youngsters’ overall physical fitness. The lower-body explosive strength, speed, and agility improvements were more evident in training plans that combined heavy RT and PT programs. The training frequency of twice a week was sufficient to induce strength gains. The results indicate that strength and conditioning programs positively influence sport-specific skills performance. Conclusions PT and RT should not be implemented as single exercise interventions but as complementary programs to optimise physical and game performance. This study contributes to creating awareness among sports agents and coaches for integrating planned strength and conditioning programs with qualified instruction at least two times per week to improve young athletes’ physical development.

Keywords

• balance
• speed
• agility
• power
• periodisation