Anthropometric techniques have been widely used in studies involving children to measure muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA). These techniques involve measurements of various body parts including body size, weight, body mass index, body circumference, and body ratios such as hip-to-waist and knee-to-heel length measurements. They are essential in many fields, including sports, health care, and fitness, as they provide valuable insights into an individual's overall health, nutritional status, and body composition.

Tools such as weight scales, skinfold calipers, tape measures, hand dynamometers, and stadiometers are utilized to obtain anthropometric measurements. However, some of these tools can be invasive and unpleasant for patients and can be expensive. Generally, the skinfold measurement is utilized in physician's offices and gyms as it is quick, accurate, and requires minimal equipment.

Anthropometric techniques are particularly useful when studying the pediatric population. They provide doctors and health professionals with crucial measurements of a child's growth, development, and overall health status. These measurements also allow for the evaluation of a child's nutritional status and adequacy. Therefore, many studies use anthropometry in conjunction with the muscle cross-sectional area measure as a clinical tool in the evaluation of the nutritional status of children.

Studies have determined that conventional anthropometric measurements, coupled with obtaining the muscle cross-sectional area of a limb, is an effective way to monitor the body composition and nutritional status of the pediatric population, and analyze the effects of supplementary programs and interventions on children. Therefore, it is no wonder that anthropometric techniques are widely utilized in studies involving children.

Regarding the use of resistance training on pre-pubertal children, it is often questioned whether increases in strength are a result of hypertrophy. If so, how does a child put on muscle mass, and if not, how is strength increased without muscle size increases? Future research needs to be conducted to determine the exact mechanisms behind the increased strength seen in the pre-pubertal pediatric population. However, current studies indicate that resistance training leads to strength gains in children by increasing neuromuscular adaptations without necessarily leading to hypertrophy.

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Sources:

Stricker, P. R., Faigenbaum, A. D., McCambridge, T. M., LaBella, C. R., Brooks, M. A., Canty, G., Diamond, A. B., Hennrikus, W., Logan, K., Moffatt, K., Nemeth, B. A., Pengel, K. B., & Peterson, A. R. (2020, June 1). The Benefits of Resistance Training for Youth: A Comprehensive Review from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. Retrieved April 24, 2022, from https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/6/e20201011/76942/Resistance-Training-for-Children-and-Adolescents

Dahab, K. S., & McCambridge, T. M. (2009, May). Strength Training in Children and Adolescents: A Review of Literature. Sports Health. Retrieved April 24, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445252/

Faigenbaum , A. (1996). Youth Resistance Training: Benefits and Concerns. GymAmerica Gymnastics. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from http://www.gymamericagymnastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Youth-Resistance-Training.pdf

Three sources have been utilized to review the benefits and concerns of resistance training in children and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatrics, in an article published in Pediatrics, conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on resistance training among youths. The review explored the physical, psychological, and social benefits of strength training. It provided recommendations for the safe and effective implementation of resistance training programs by considering the age, maturity level, and physical capability of young athletes.

In addition to the review conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dahab and McCambridge (2009) examined the outcomes of strength training among children and adolescents in a systematic review. Their findings revealed that structured resistance training programs can be safe and effective in developing strength and improving sports performance among young athletes. They also suggested that resistance training can reduce the risk of injury, particularly when it is combined with other elements of injury prevention programs.

Faigenbaum (1996), in GymAmerica Gymnastics, raised concerns regarding resistance training in children and adolescents, including the risk of overtraining, injury, and potential psychological effects, such as the development of body image issues. The article recommended that strength training programs for youths should be appropriately designed, supervised, and progressed, and tailored to the child's needs and developmental level.

Overall, the three sources demonstrate that resistance training can be safe and effective in developing strength, preventing injuries, and enhancing sports performance among children and adolescents. However, the implementation of resistance training programs for young athletes should be done with caution and under proper guidance and supervision to manage the possible risks.