In less than 12 hours, I am boarding a flight for the 2023 National Strength & Conditioning Association annual meeting in Las Vegas. As typical with conferences, this exploit will include attending some sessions, presenting and discussing research and practical experiences, and saying hello to old and new friends and colleagues.
I am a bit on the edge of my seat for one presentation - The Youth Physical Development Model 2.0: a 10-year Update to be presented by Dr. Rhodri Lloyd.
Rhodri and Dr. Jon Oliver (and students) from the Cardiff Youth Physical Development Centre in Wales have been instrumental in refining and advancing our understanding in this broad area of youth physical development or long-term athletic development since about 2010. Recall that Istvan Balyi, the “father” of LTAD, had defined his model and was presenting it around the globe around the turn of the 21st century. Several national governing bodies were adopting the Balyi LTAD model, which at that time supported the tenets of the 10,000 hour rule and windows of trainability or sensitive/critical periods.
As the Balyi model gained attention, a group of UK scholars (including Lloyd and Oliver) with expertise in youth athletic development and strength & conditioning published a paper in the Journal of Sports Sciences critically evaluating and raising attention to a number of issues within the model. Here are a few key points:
The model is only one-dimensional, that being physiological
There is a lack of empirical evidence upon which the model is based, particularly related to “windows of opportunity” which are ages in which certain training can accelerate and enhance physical development
Interpretations of the model are restricted because the data on which it is based rely on questionable assumptions and erroneous methodologies
It is a generic model rather than an individualized plan for athletes
Shortly after the publication of this paper in 2011, Lloyd and Oliver’s Youth Physical Development Model was published in June 2012. Thereafter, two additional papers in 2015 culminated in the writing of the NSCA position stand on LTAD.
The Youth Physical Development Model specifically addressed that most, if not all, physical qualities are trainable throughout childhood and adolescence - as opposed to the idea of windows of trainability. In addition, the development of muscular strength as an underlying physical quality was emphasized.
In lieu of time, I am not going to detail or even summarize the YPD here. Instead, I strongly urge you to read the paper and also watch this webinar. In addition, check out the recent and on-going work from the Centre’s students and staff (e.g. J Radnor, JS Pedley, S Moeskops)
…and don’t forget to check back in a few weeks as I am sure to share some nuggets from the unveiling of version 2.0.