[STRENGTH TRAINING IN CHILDREN]

Abstract

The approach to strength training in children still suffers from reliance on misguided notions claiming them as being ineffective and more conducive to injuries than in adults. Not only are those notions wrong, but children's response to strength training is actually rather similar to that in adults, although they don't gain as much muscle mass. Under proper guidance and supervision, the resistance-training-related incidence of injury is not higher in children than in adults. Strength training has other benefits for children, beyond the actual strength improvement. It can help reduce the risk of activity-related injuries, in general, and especially in other sports. In overweight youth, it can also improve the metabolic profile and help in the management of conditions such as diabetes, contribute to the prevention or attenuation of obesity, and may even improve mental health.