A low-cost and time-efficient calisthenics strength training program improves fitness performance of children

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a calisthenics strength training program implemented in a school physical education curriculum on the fitness performance of school children. Methods: Twenty four male and female adolescents (aged 15.70 ± 0.84 years) were distributed into Training (TG) and Control groups (CG). TG and CG were tested on the 1-min curl-up (CU), 1-min push-up (PU), medicine ball throw (MBT), and horizontal jump (HJ) tests. Both TG and CG subjects participated in two physical education classes weekly for 8 weeks. Classes for TG incorporated the calisthenics strength program, while CG followed the regular physical education curriculum. Results: Both TG and CG subjects achieved significant improvements in CU (CG: 9.7%; TG: 38.9%) and PU (CG: 39.3%; TG: 55.1%), but improvements in TG were significantly greater than in CG. Neither group demonstrated significant changes in the MBT (CG: 6.1%; TG: 13.7%) and HJ (CG: -0.6%; TG: 3.2%) performance, but TG subjects tended for changes with greater effect size. Conclusion: The practicality and the low cost of the applied calisthenics strength training program allows easy implementation in school physical education classes and leads to improved muscle strength.