Q&A – Doctors and specialists
1. Should strength training be considered a therapeutic intervention?
Yes – Resistance training works metabolically, neurologically, hormonally and psychologically.
Not only does it prevent diseases, but it can also be part of the treatment for conditions such as diabetes, depression, and osteoporosis.
2. Are there studies confirming the effectiveness of strength training in medicine?
Yes – numerous studies and meta-analyses document its impact on: HbA1c levels, blood pressure, bone density, neuroplasticity, serotonin and dopamine levels.
This is one of the best documented non-pharmacological interventions.
3. Can children and adolescents safely exercise?
Yes, with proper guidance and supervision. It's not about bodybuilding or maximal weights, but rather bodyweight exercises, progressive resistance, and biomechanically adapted machines. Research shows that the risk of injury is lower than in many team sports.
Benefits: better bone density, stronger nervous system, reduced risk of injury and obesity prevention.
4. Does strength training negatively affect growth plates?
No, as long as there is no overload or axial compression. On the contrary, well-conducted training increases bone density, improves the quality of joint cartilage, and supports skeletal development.
The 'stunt growth' myth has been debunked.
5. Can strength training be recommended to a patient after a heart attack or stroke?
Yes – as part of rehabilitation. Research confirms that it improves exercise tolerance, lowers blood pressure, strengthens respiratory muscles, and improves quality of life.
The ESC and AHA guidelines recommend resistance training as part of Class 1A cardiac rehabilitation.
6. Does strength training improve insulin sensitivity?
Yes – thanks to GLUT4 activation and improved energy management. Results: increased muscle glucose uptake, lower fasting insulin levels, and improved HbA1c.
Effectiveness is comparable to or better than metformin treatment.
7. Can the Power Passport be implemented in clinical practice?
Yes – as an element of prevention (children, young people, working people), monitoring of chronically ill patients and a motivational tool.
The passport is based on objective biological parameters and can be a simple tool for communication with the patient.
8. Are there any contraindications to strength training?
Only relative, e.g. acute inflammation, decompensated circulatory failure, advanced cancer in catabolism.
In most cases, training can be adjusted rather than eliminated.
9. Can older people do strength training?
Yes – and they should. Training inhibits sarcopenia, improves balance, reduces the risk of falls, and supports cognitive function.
It is the most effective 'anti-aging drug'.
10. Does strength training help prevent sports overload?
Yes – it strengthens stabilizing muscles, tendons, fascia and improves neuromuscular control.
Reduces the risk of injuries such as jumper's knee, shin splints and back pain.
11. Can strength training be an element of sports rehabilitation?
Yes – especially in the phase of returning to function after joint injuries, fractures or ACL reconstructions.
The School Dream Gym provides the opportunity for progressive, safe and biomechanically correct exercise in a school environment.
12. Is it worth implementing strength tests as screening tests?
Yes – they allow for early detection of deficits, muscle imbalances and predicting the risk of injury.
This is a modern form of screening, covering orthopedic and metabolic aspects.
13. Are schools ready to implement the Strength and Health Lesson?
Yes – if appropriate equipment (e.g. TYTAX machines), trained teachers, applications and tests, and system support are provided.
The MSSM project assumes the comprehensive implementation of such a model of biological education.
14. How can physicians support the MSSM project?
Through recommendations to patients, cooperation with schools and municipalities, incorporating the Strength Passport into prevention, and also reporting willingness to participate in the network of specialists supporting the project.