Effect of Integrated Strength-Conditioning and Recovery Protocols on Performance and Injury Risk in Young Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Optimizing athletic performance while minimizing injury risk remains a critical challenge in youth sports. Integrated strength-conditioning (SC) combined with structured recovery protocols (RP) may enhance neuromuscular adaptation while reducing injury incidence. To investigate the effects of a 12-week integrated SC+RP program on performance metrics and injury risk in young athletes. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 youth athletes from Mangalore, India (age = 15.3 ± 1.2 years). Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CON; n = 42) or integrated training group (INT; n = 42). Primary outcomes included 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump (CMJ), VO?max, and injury incidence rate. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27, including repeated-measures ANOVA, Cohen?s d, injury incidence rate ratio (IRR), and logistic regression. Significant Group ? Time interactions were observed for sprint, CMJ, and VO?max (p < .01). The INT group demonstrated superior improvements in performance and a 37% reduction in injury incidence (IRR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.41, 0.88]). Logistic regression identified integrated training (OR = 0.48, p = .021) and HRV as protective factors. Integrated strength-conditioning combined with structured recovery significantly enhances performance and reduces injury risk in youth athletes.