title: Preliminary evaluation of an after-school resistance training program for improving physical fitness in middle school-age boys.
abstract: Most after-school physical activity programs for youth focus on aerobic games and activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an after-school resistance training program on improving the physical fitness of middle school-age boys. 22 boys (M = 13.9 yr., SD = .4 yr.) participated in a periodized, multiple-set, 9-wk. (2x/week) resistance training program. All subjects were pre- and post-tested on their 10-repetition maximum squat, 10-repetition maximum bench press, vertical jump, medicine ball toss, flexibility, and also percentage of body fat and the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER). Statistical analysis indicated that subjects significantly improved performance on the squat (19%), bench press (15%), flexibility (10%), vertical jump (5%), medicine ball toss (12%), and the PACER (36%). Although this design minus a control group limits interpretation, this after-school resistance-training program can improve muscular fitness and cardiovascular fitness in boys and should be replicated with appropriate experimental controls.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, P.O. Box 7718, Ewing, NJ 08628-0718, USA. faigenba@tcnj.edu
authors.forename: Avery D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Faigenbaum
authors.forename: Jim E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: McFarland
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bloom
authors.forename: Nicholas A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Ratamess
authors.forename: Jay R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hoffman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D014891:Weight Lifting