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

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. 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. 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). 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.