Integrating Resistance Training Into Secondary School Physical Education Lessons: Effects of a 6-Week Intervention on Athletic Motor Skill Competencies

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resistance training (RT) in physical education lessons on athletic motor skill competencies in secondary school children.

Method: Seventy-eight males were randomized into experimental year groups or a control group. Experimental groups participated in RT during physical education lessons for a 6-week half-term. The control group continued with their games-based curriculum. Countermovement jump (CMJ) height, seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) distance, and RT skills battery scores were measured preintervention and postintervention.

Results: All experimental groups significantly improved SMBT distance and RT skills quotient (P < .05). All intervention year groups also significantly improved CMJ height (P < .05), except for year 9. Although the control group did not show improvements in CMJ height and RT skills quotient, there was a significant improvement in SMBT distance (P < .05). The year 7 and 8 males exhibited greater improvements in CMJ height and SMBT distance (d = 0.21-0.79) than in year 9 (d = 0.00-0.40).

Conclusion: Results of the study indicated that a 6-week half-term RT intervention in physical education lessons can improve athletic motor skill competencies (P < .05, d = 0.21-2.51) in male youths.