The Effect of Strength Training on the Jump-Landing Biomechanics of Young Female Athletes: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To investigate the effect of leg-focused strength training on the jump-landing mechanics of young female athletes.Design:Single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial.Setting:University-based training program.Participants:Forty female athletes, 10 to 14 years old, were randomly allocated to intervention or active control.Interventions:Twice weekly training was performed by the leg strengthening group [intervention group (IG); n = 19] and the active control group (CG; n = 17), for 12 weeks. Control group participants performed upper body strengthening exercises.Main Outcome Measure:Jump-landing performance was assessed by a blinded observer using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).Results:There was no difference between the IG and CG postintervention (IG mean LESS score 6.0 SD 1.8 vs CG mean 6.1 SD 1.8; P = 0.85).Conclusions:Strength training of the legs does not seem to improve jump-landing abilities in young female athletes compared with active controls who strength-trained their arms.Clinical Relevance:Leg strengthening may not provide an advantage over arm strengthening for improving jump-landing movement patterns in young female athletes. This has implications for the design of conditioning programs if injury prevention is a goal.