STRENGTH TRAINING IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE: EVIDENCE ON SAFETY, EFFECTIVENESS, AND HEALTH IMPACTS

Abstract

Strength training in childhood and adolescence has been widely discussed in the scientific literature, particularly regarding its safety and effectiveness. This study aimed to analyze, through a systematic review, the effects of strength training in children and adolescents. The search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, and Scopus databases, covering the period from January 2015 to July 2025. Original studies published in peer-reviewed journals, involving individuals aged 0 to 19 years and interventions with strength training, were included. After applying the eligibility criteria, 25 studies were selected for analysis. The findings indicate that strength training, when properly supervised, is safe and provides significant benefits, including increased muscular strength, improved motor performance, reduced body fat, enhanced bone mineral density, and positive effects on metabolic, cognitive, and psychosocial parameters. It is concluded that strength training is an effective strategy for promoting health in children and adolescents, provided that exercise prescription principles and developmental characteristics are respected.