Injury risk in resistance training in children compared to team and combat sports: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69849/bkhqtw60Keywords:
resistance training, children, sports injuries, safety, physical activityAbstract
Introduction: Resistance training (RT) in children is still frequently associated with injury risks, despite recent evidence indicating its safety when properly supervised. In contrast, widely practiced sports, such as soccer and combat modalities, show a significant incidence of injuries.
Objective: To compare the risk of injury between resistance training and other common physical activities in children and adolescents.
Methods: This is a systematic review with meta-analysis conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (2000–2024). Studies involving individuals ≤18 years old that reported injury incidence per 1,000 hours of exposure were included. Rates were pooled using a random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird), with the calculation of the incidence rate ratio (IRR).
Results: Forty-two studies were included. Resistance training showed the lowest injury incidence (0.12 injuries/1,000 hours; 95% CI: 0.06–0.22) compared to soccer (4.3), basketball (2.8), gymnastics (1.6), wrestling (6–9), jiu-jitsu (3–6), and muay thai (7–12 injuries/1,000 hours). RT presented a significantly lower risk across all comparisons (IRR: 0.01–0.04).
Conclusion: Resistance training is one of the safest activities for children, presenting a lower risk of injury than team and combat sports, in addition to its potential preventive role.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Paulo de Tarso Pereira Machado (Autor)
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