Effects of A 12-Week General Preparatory Training Programme on Body Composition, Maximal Strength, Neuromuscular Performance, and Aerobic Capacity in Elite Youth Track and Field Athletes: A Controlled Longitudinal Intervention Study

Abstract

Introduction. General preparatory training underpins physiological and neuromuscular development in track and field, yet controlled evidence in elite youth athletes remains limited. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a 12-week general preparatory training programme on body composition, maximal strength, neuromuscular performance, sprint ability, and aerobic fitness in elite youth track and field athletes.

Material and Methods. Forty-nine elite youth athletes were allocated to an experimental group (EG, n = 26) or a control group (CG, n = 23). The EG completed a structured 12-week periodized program, while the CG continued habitual training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition, 1RM squat, deadlift, and snatch, countermovement jump, 30-m sprint, VO₂max, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Group × time effects were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis or linear mixed-effects models (p < .05).

Results. The EG achieved significantly greater improvements than the CG in body composition, maximal strength, intermittent running performance, and aerobic fitness. Female athletes in the EG also demonstrated reduced body fat and increased lean body mass, whereas body mass and BMI changed minimally in both groups. Improvements in the CG were modest.

Conclusions. A structured 12-week general preparatory training programme produced superior adaptations in body composition, maximal strength, and aerobic and neuromuscular performance compared with habitual training, supporting its inclusion in long-term athlete development and preseason conditioning for elite youth track and field athletes.