Effects of Resistance Training on Lean Body Mass in Youth Girls. A Systematic Review

Authors

• Olivia Evola, New York Institute of Technology - Old WestburyFollow
• Devjja Vaibhavkumar Joshi, New York Institute of Technology
• Arpita Milind Bedarkar, New York Institute of Technology
• Matthew Benavides, New York Institute of Technology
• Amerigo Rossi, New York Institute of Technology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Resistance training is often overlooked in youth aged girls because of myths that it will stunt growth and hinder physical development. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects on lean body mass in youth girls, ages thirteen to eighteen while participating in a structured resistance training program. METHODS: The research began with creating inclusion criteria for all studies. They must have females in the study that fit the age range of 13-18 years old and should be participating in a structured resistance program for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks. Using PubMed and Scopus databases, boolean search terms were created. From both databases, 785 articles were screened for inclusion criteria. Eight articles fit the inclusion criteria and were put into an excel sheet where data extraction took place and included participants with pre and post lean body measurements. The data was then averaged between all chosen articles and determined to be valid. The systematic review was also registered with Prospero prior to publication. RESULTS: 646 female Participants completed an average of 21 weeks of structured resistance training with exercises including squats, pushups, sit-ups, and various dynamic exercises at 75% of one repetition max. Post testing lean body measurements conclude that 2.6 kg were gained on average with training frequency of two days per week. Among the eight chosen articles, sessions ranged from 20-60minutes with varying set and rep ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Structured resistance training has been proven to be safe and effective for increasing lean body mass is adolescent for girls. Among all included studies, participants significantly improved lean mass upon following structured and consistent training programs. The findings of this study dispute misconception that resistance training negatively affect youth development and proves that resistance training beneficial for young females. 

BACKGROUND: Resistance training is often overlooked in youth aged girls because of myths that it will stunt growth and hinder physical development. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects on lean body mass in youth girls, ages thirteen to eighteen while participating in a structured resistance training program. METHODS: The research began with creating inclusion criteria for all studies. They must have females in the study that fit the age range of 13-18 years old and should be participating in a structured resistance program for a minimum of eight consecutive weeks. Using PubMed and Scopus databases, boolean search terms were created. From both databases, 785 articles were screened for inclusion criteria. Eight articles fit the inclusion criteria and were put into an excel sheet where data extraction took place and included participants with pre and post lean body measurements. The data was then averaged between all chosen articles and determined to be valid. The systematic review was also registered with Prospero prior to publication. RESULTS: 646 female Participants completed an average of 21 weeks of structured resistance training with exercises including squats, pushups, sit-ups, and various dynamic exercises at 75% of one repetition max. Post testing lean body measurements conclude that 2.6 kg were gained on average with training frequency of two days per week. Among the eight chosen articles, sessions ranged from 20-60minutes with varying set and rep ranges. CONCLUSIONS: Structured resistance training has been proven to be safe and effective for increasing lean body mass is adolescent for girls. Among all included studies, participants significantly improved lean mass upon following structured and consistent training programs. The findings of this study dispute misconception that resistance training negatively affect youth development and proves that resistance training beneficial for young females. 

Recommended Citation

Evola, Olivia; Joshi, Devjja Vaibhavkumar; Bedarkar, Arpita Milind; Benavides, Matthew; and Rossi, Amerigo (2026) "Effects of Resistance Training on Lean Body Mass in Youth Girls. A Systematic Review," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 15: Iss. 8, Article 21.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol15/iss8/21