Effects of Combined Resistance Training and Weightlifting on Injury Risk Factors and Resistance Training Skill of Adolescent Males

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training with or without weightlifting on risk factors for injury and resistance training skill in circa-peak height velocity boys. Sixty-seven boys (age 12-14 years) from a local secondary school were divided into three groups: combined resistance training (CRT), combined resistance training with weightlifting movements (CRT&WL), or a control group (CON). Experimental groups completed twiceweekly training programs over the course of an academic year. The tuck jump assessment, asymmetry measures for single-leg horizontal jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and the Star Excursion Balance Test, and resistance training skill were measured pre-, mid-, and postintervention. Only the CRT group significantly improved tuck jump assessment score pre-to post-test (p = 0.006,-20.4%, d =-0.39) but there were no clear effects on asymmetry measures for any group. Both groups significantly improved resistance training skill from pre-to posttest (CRT&WL: p = 0.002, 17.6%, d = 1.00; CRT: p = 0.026, 9.2%, d = 0.53). This study suggests that a school-based CRT program may provide significant improvements in jump landing kinematics, whereas the inclusion of weightlifting movements may provide greater improvements in resistance training skill.

Comparison of Weightlifting, Traditional Resistance Training and Plyometrics on Strength, Power and Speed: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…The limited improvements in the TRT group may have also been responsible for the greater ES found in favour of WLT, however limited information on the TRT prescription employed in the study prevent any further exploration [40]. Pichardo et al [59] reported large ES for CMJ performance in favour of WLT in comparison with the other studies included in the meta-analysis. The training intervention duration employed in the study was 28 weeks [59], which may have resulted in more pronounced improvements in measures of power compared with the other studies included in the WLT versus TRT analysis that implemented shorter training durations (median training duration: 8 weeks, range 6-28) [90].…”

“…Four studies included youth participants, with the term youth referring to the period of life before adulthood and including individuals under 18 years of age [66]. Of these studies, only one included information on participants' stage of maturation [59], using the maturity offset method to estimate maturity status [67]. The majority of studies were conducted with solely male participants (n = 12), with three of the studies including both male and female participants, and one study with female participants only.…”

“…All studies included a weightlifting intervention consisting of variations of the full weightlifting movements (snatch, clean and jerk), weightlifting derivatives (e.g. hang clean, hang The authors of two studies failed to provide information on the training intensity prescription in relation to percentage of one repetition maximum (% 1RM) [33,59]. Training intensity prescribed in the remaining studies ranged from 55 to 95% 1RM.…”

“…Training volumes in the studies ranged from one to seven sets of 3-12 repetitions. Prescribed rest periods were 3-5 min across most of the studies (n = 9); however, this information was absent from a number of studies (n = 7) [33,34,36,37,[58][59][60].…”

Sensitive Periods to Train General Motor Abilities in Children and Adolescents: Do They Exist? A Critical Appraisal

“…Further, young individuals have been reported to be particularly susceptible to injuries before and during the growth spurt (61) and careful prescription of a training program (i.e., training mode and characteristics) is especially important during these periods to prevent injuries that may limit future potential. The findings of recent research can offer some guidelines on a training program that may be used to effectively improve performance, while likely minimizing injury risk during this period (46,47). The complexities of training/match load management in the growing and maturing child to promote training adaptations and subsequent athletic performance, combined with the susceptibility to acute and chronic injuries are often not taken into account in LTAD models that promote sensitive periods.…”