title: The Effect of Strength Training on the Jump-Landing Biomechanics of Young Female Athletes: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of leg-focused strength training on the jump-landing mechanics of young female athletes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-based training program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty female athletes, 10 to 14 years old, were randomly allocated to intervention or active control.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twice weekly training was performed by the leg strengthening group [intervention group (IG); n = 19] and the active control group (CG; n = 17), for 12 weeks. Control group participants performed upper body strengthening exercises.
  
  
  METHODS
  Jump-landing performance was assessed by a blinded observer using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference between the IG and CG postintervention (IG mean LESS score 6.0 ± SD 1.8 vs CG mean 6.1 ± SD 1.8; P = 0.85).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strength training of the legs does not seem to improve jump-landing abilities in young female athletes compared with active controls who strength-trained their arms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Leg strengthening may not provide an advantage over arm strengthening for improving jump-landing movement patterns in young female athletes. This has implications for the design of conditioning programs if injury prevention is a goal.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management & Health, Leisure and Human Performance Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
authors.forename: Joanne L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sylvester
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Porter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055070:Resistance Training; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*