Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 24(4):1065-1073, APRIL 2010
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cc230a
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PMID: 20375719
Issn Print: 1064-8011
Publication Date: April 2010
The Impact of a 12-Week Resistance Training Program on Strength, Body Composition, and Self-Concept of Hispanic Adolescents
Amelia Velez;Devon Golem;Shawn Arent;
+ Author Information
Rutgers University Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Abstract
Velez, A, Golem, DL, and Arent, SM. The impact of a 12-week resistance training program on strength, body composition, and self-concept of Hispanic adolescents. J Strength Cond Res 24(4): 1065-1073, 2010-Current evidence suggests that a resistance training program may be physically and psychologically beneficial for adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a structured resistance training program on strength, body composition, and self-concept in normal and overweight Hispanic adolescents. Male and female participants (n = 28; 16.1 ± 0.2 y; 164.5 ± 1.4 cm; 63.3 ± 2.5 kg; 20.0 ± 1.7% body fat [BF]) were recruited from a predominantly Hispanic high school. Prior to the 12-week program, strength, body composition, and self-concept were assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CON; n = 15) or to a resistance training group (RT; n = 13) that participated in supervised strength training 3 days/week. All measures were repeated at the end of the 12-week program. RT had significantly greater strength increases for bench press (p < 0.001), seated row (p = 0.002), shoulder press (p < 0.001), and squats (p = 0.002). RT had significant reductions in %BF (p = 0.001), whereas CON had slightly increased %BF. RT had an increase in condition/stamina competence (p = 0.008), attractive body adequacy (p = 0.017), and global self-worth (p = 0.013) from pretest to posttest, whereas no change was observed for CON. In conclusion, resistance training resulted in significant physiological and psychological improvements in Hispanic adolescents compared to typical school-based activities. These findings indicate that resistance training can be incorporated into the activities of Hispanic adolescents to promote improved health and fitness.
