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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Sports Act. Living
Sec. Physical Education and Pedagogy
Volume 6 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1415469
This article is part of the Research Topic Schools as an arena for health-promoting physical activity View all 5 articles

Cross-country adaptation and feasibility of an evidence-based resistance training intervention in the school setting

Provisionally accepted
Caroline R. Hartman Caroline R. Hartman 1David R. Lubans David R. Lubans 2,3,4Lars B. Christiansen Lars B. Christiansen 1*
  • 1 Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
  • 2 Centre for Active Living and Learning, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
  • 3 Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton, Australia
  • 4 Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Central Finland, Finland

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Background: Physical activity that strengthens muscles and bones at least three times per week are recommended, but few adolescents meet this target. The aim of our study was to adapt and evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the Australian school-based Resistance Training for Teens (RT4T) program, in Danish lower secondary schools. Methods: Developed and evaluated in Australia, the aim of RT4T is to provide adolescents with competence, confidence, knowledge, and motivation to participate in resistance training. Translation and adaptation were based on the PRACTIS-guide and involved workshops with physical education teachers. Three 7th-grade classes and three 9th-grade classes were recruited for the feasibility study and followed the program over eight weeks. Participants completed a push-up test, a standing long jump test, and a beep-test before and after the intervention. In addition, they completed a survey about their self-efficacy, motivation, and resistance training competency. Four qualitative interviews were performed with participants and their physical education teachers. Results: The participating teachers were motivated for the program, but they had difficulties providing students with appropriate feedback. Students were motivated by the equipment, games, and their improvements in fitness, but motivation declined during the program. A total of 57 students completed the physical tests and answered the survey.Resistance training self-efficacy improved significantly, while most other measures improved over time, without reaching significance. Conclusion: Overall, the RT4T was acceptable and feasible in lower secondary schools in Denmark, but adjustments need to be made to increase the reach and efficacy of the program.

    Keywords: adolescent1, muscular fitness2, physical activity3, physical education4, skill competency5

    Received: 10 Apr 2024; Accepted: 24 Jul 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Hartman, Lubans and Christiansen. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Lars B. Christiansen, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.