A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Effects of Resistance Training on Academic Outcomes in School-Aged Youth : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2023)
Robinson, K., Riley, N., Owen, K., Drew, R., Mavilidi, M. F., Hillman, C. H., Faigenbaum, A. D., Garcia-Hermoso, A., & Lubans, D. R. (2023). Effects of Resistance Training on Academic Outcomes in School-Aged Youth : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(11), 2095-2109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01881-6
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Robinson, Katie; Riley, Nicholas; Owen, Katherine; Drew, Ryan; Mavilidi, Myrto F.; Hillman, Charles H.; Faigenbaum, Avery D.; Garcia-Hermoso, Antonio; Lubans, David Revalds
Journal or series: Sports Medicine
ISSN: 0112-1642
eISSN: 1179-2035
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 19/07/2023
Volume: 53
Issue number: 11
Pages range: 2095-2109
Publisher: Springer Science+Business Media
Publication country: Switzerland
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01881-6
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88602
Abstract
The primary aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of resistance training on academic outcomes in school-aged youth.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search of six electronic databases (CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE) with no date restrictions. Studies were eligible if they: (a) included school-aged youth (5–18 years), and (b) examined the effect of resistance training on academic outcomes (i.e., cognitive function, academic achievement, and/or on-task behaviour in the classroom). Risk of bias was assessed using the appropriate Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools, funnel plots and Egger’s regression asymmetry tests. A structural equation modelling approach was used to conduct the meta-analysis.
Results
Fifty-three studies were included in our systematic review. Participation in resistance training (ten studies with 53 effect sizes) had a small positive effect on the overall cognitive, academic and on-task behaviours in school-aged youth (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05–0.32). Resistance training was more effective (SMD 0.26, 95% CI 0.10–0.42) than concurrent training, i.e., the combination of resistance training and aerobic training (SMD 0.11, 95% CI − 0.05–0.28). An additional 43 studies (including 211 effect sizes) examined the association between muscular fitness and cognition or academic achievement, also yielding a positive relationship (SMD 0.13, 95% CI 0.10–0.16).
Conclusion
This review provides preliminary evidence that resistance training may improve cognitive function, academic performance, and on-task behaviours in school-aged youth.
PROSPERO Registration
CRD42020175695.
Keywords: training; cognitive processes; school-age children; children (age groups); young people; systematic reviews; meta-analysis
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2023
JUFO rating: 3
