Research has shown that inter-individual differences in performance and anthropometric measurements are present when boys of contrasting maturity status are compared (Beunen & Milana, 1988). The primary purpose of this study were to examine the differences between early to late maturing children in anthropometric and physical parameters by using age at peak height velocity (PHV) as a reference. PHV is the most commonly used indicator of somatic maturity during the adolescent growth spurt in height. METHODS: Measurements were collected during the first phase of ASPIRE`s annual Talent Identification program in 2007 (128 males, age 14.5 + 0.3yr). All children were assessed on four anthropometrical (stature, sitting height, body mass and arm span), five physical tests (counter movement jump (CMJ), 40m sprint, medicine ball throw, distance throw, and the 20m MSFT). Self assessed training experience including years of training and amount of training per week were also collected. Children were grouped according to their current stage at PHV during the time of test. Groupings were constructed using 1 year intervals, pre PHV = -1.5 to -0.5yrs from PHV, during PHV =-0.5 to 0.5yrs from PHV and post PHV = 0.5 to 1.5yrs from PHV. Ages at PHV were predicted using a sex-specific regression equation as described in Mirwald, et al. RESULTS: Anthropometric differences between all PHV groups were found in stature, body mass and sitting height (p<0.05). When comparing leg length between pre- and during- PHV no differences were found, while post-PHV were significantly different to both groups (p<0.05). No differences were found between groups in counter movement jump, 40m sprint, distance throw and 20m MSFT. However, differences were found between all groups in the medicine ball throw (p<0.05). No differences were found between groups in years of training and amount of weekly training. CONCLUSION: Differences in stature, body mass and sitting height are in line with attained growth and velocities on a time axis relative to PHV. While assumed leg length could occur closer to PHV. The estimation for age at PHV formula was developed from longitudinal data of Canadian children and may not be of practical use for Middle Eastern children. Genetics, training experience, physical activity levels and nutrition status could be some of the primary reasons why little or no differences were found when comparing physical parameters.
© Copyright 2009 14th annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, Oslo/Norway, June 24-27, 2009, Book of Abstracts. Julkaistu Tekijä The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään. / Kääntänyt https://www.DeepL.com/Translator