2024-12-09
The decline in youth physical fitness: a major public health challenge
Public Health and Social Medicine
The decline in physical fitness among children
and adolescents is a concerning public health issue. According to the WHO,
fewer than 20% of young people meet the recommended daily physical activity
guidelines, exposing them to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and
cardiovascular diseases. In light of this, aerobic training (AT) and resistance
training (RT) have been identified as crucial strategies for enhancing youth
physical development. But which type of training delivers the greatest
benefits?
Key insights on training methods. Aerobic training, focused on enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance, strengthens the heart, optimizes blood circulation, and boosts physical stamina. Resistance training, targeting muscle and bone strength, plays a crucial role in injury prevention, posture improvement, and supporting bone growth.
Key findings include:
Key insights on training methods. Aerobic training, focused on enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance, strengthens the heart, optimizes blood circulation, and boosts physical stamina. Resistance training, targeting muscle and bone strength, plays a crucial role in injury prevention, posture improvement, and supporting bone growth.
How effective is combined training?
This study examined the impact of combined training (CT), which integrates AT and RT, on the physical fitness of 2,658 young people with an average age of 14.32 years. Researchers assessed key indicators such as VO2 max (cardiovascular endurance) and muscle power (vertical jump - CMJ).Key findings include:
- Cardiovascular endurance: CT and AT produced similar improvements in VO2 max, but alternating AT and RT (CRED group) achieved the highest scores.
- Muscle power: CT outperformed RT alone in vertical jump performance, with consecutive RT-AT training (CRE) yielding the best results.
- Lower limb strength: Isolated RT remained the most effective. Overall, all these approaches, including HIIT, outperformed team sports in improving VO2 max.
Combined training: an effective strategy for enhancing youth fitness
This analysis confirms that combined
training is an effective strategy for simultaneously improving cardiovascular
endurance and muscle power in young people, often outperforming isolated
approaches. The integration or alternation of AT and RT optimizes physical
performance, while methods like HIIT or CRE offer notable benefits in
explosiveness and endurance. Future research should explore the underlying
mechanisms and adapt programs to individual characteristics for even more
personalized interventions.
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