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Modeling longitudinal changes in maximal-intensity exercise performance in young male rowing athletes
Pavle Mikulic1, Tomislav Blazina, Alan M Nevill
1Dept of Kinesiology of Sport, School of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Coratia.
Pediatric Exercise Science
|June 26, 2012
Summary
Young male rowers show the fastest performance gains between ages 12-13. Performance increases with body size and age, with development rates slowing through adolescence. Coaches can use this data to understand athlete progression.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Adolescent athletes undergo significant physiological changes.
- Understanding performance development in young athletes is crucial for training.
- Rowing performance is influenced by a combination of factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of age and body size on maximal-intensity exercise performance in young male rowers.
- To quantify the rate of performance development during adolescence.
- To identify key predictors of rowing power output.
Main Methods:
- 171 male rowers (aged 12-18 years) completed a 30-second "all-out" rowing ergometer test.
- Participants were reassessed after a 12-month period.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between age, body size, and power output.
Main Results:
- The highest rate of performance development for mean and maximal power output occurred between ages 12 and 13 (+34% and +32%, respectively).
- Performance development rate declined gradually throughout adolescence.
- Body mass, stature, and chronological age were significant predictors (p < .05) of both mean and maximal power output.
Conclusions:
- Rowing performance in young males is strongly influenced by maturation and body size.
- The rate of improvement in rowing power is highest in early adolescence and diminishes over time.
- These findings provide valuable insights for coaches to optimize training and predict performance progression in adolescent rowers.
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