The effects of concurrent training on physical fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To use a meta-analysis to explore the effects of concurrent training on physical fitness in a population aged (10∼24 years), and to further analyze differences related to factors such as intervention sequence, duration, and frequency. Method: The search platform includes data resource systems such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and VIP, with inclusion and exclusion criteria established based on PICOS. Review Manager 5.4 was used for quality assessment and statistical analysis. Results: = 0.01) were associated with greater improvements in VO₂ max in the pediatric and adolescent population. An 8-week concurrent training intervention period resulted in improvements in both maximal oxygen uptake and lower-body explosive power. Conclusion: Concurrent training ≤3 times per week does not produce "interference effects" in children and adolescents; concurrent training can significantly improve cardiorespiratory endurance while maintaining strength levels in this population. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251242860, PROSPERO CRD420251242860.