Research

Strength and conditioning is the most common type of rehabilitation and prehabilitation used when working with young athletes. Studies have found that programmes that include strength, flexibility, balance, and sport‐specific fitness and technique training prevent lower limb injury in sport.
It is also thought that the benefit is continued when the prehab is performed throughout the playing season. This provides important information regarding physiotherapy practice, as strength and conditioning should be an ongoing “prehab” strategy for young athletes in which the physio should recommend.
This agrees with adult studies that used preventive programmes in volleyball resulting in significant reductions in ankle sprains. Similarly, conditioning programmes in football have shown a 50–75% reduction in injuries in general and a significant decrease in ACL injuries.
Given the evidence that strength and conditioning training helps prevent injury, it could have important implications for the role of a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist that works directly with a club or team has the opportunity to implement a specific strength and conditioning programme.

Resistance Training for Adolescents

The literature regarding resistance training in adolescents has been conflicted over the last 20 years. Studies have suggested that resistance training in youths can be harmful; however, these programs can benefit children and preadolescents by improving their strength, bone density, balance, lipid profiles, fat-free mass, and personal self-esteem. Additionally, strength training can help reduce injury by improving joint integrity, therefore reducing the risk of subluxation, dislocation, and strains. It is within a physiotherapist’s role to ensure that resistance training is completed safely and is in line with the individual’s growth. The benefits that can be achieved for adolescents participating in an appropriate resistance training programme are outlined underneath.

Current Guidelines

The current guidelines put forward by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for resistance training are;

1. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program is safe for youths.
2. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can enhance the muscular strength and power of youths.
3. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can improve the cardiovascular risk profile of youths.
4. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can improve motor skill performance and may contribute to enhanced sports performance of youths.
5. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can increase a young athlete’s resistance to sports-related injuries.
6. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help improve the psychosocial well-being of youths.
7. A properly designed and supervised resistance training program can help promote and develop exercise habits during childhood and adolescence.