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Physiological performance capacity in different prepubescent athletic groups
A Mero1, H Kauhanen, E Peltola
1Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Athletic prepubescent boys showed superior endurance and strength compared to controls, with biological maturation and training influencing performance. These findings aid in talent selection for young athletes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric sports science
- Exercise physiology
- Talent identification
Background:
- Prepubescent athletes exhibit diverse physical capacities.
- Understanding physiological differences is key for talent selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare endurance, strength, and speed in young athletes versus controls.
- To investigate the influence of biological maturation and training on performance.
Main Methods:
- Compared athletic groups (weight lifters, endurance runners, sprint runners) with a control group.
- Assessed maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic characteristics, jump performance, and reaction time.
- Measured testosterone and growth hormone levels.
Main Results:
- Athletic boys had higher maximal oxygen uptake and better jump performance than controls.
- Weight lifters and sprinters excelled in force production; athletes had faster reaction times.
- Testosterone correlated with performance, biological age, and chronological age.
Conclusions:
- Athletic prepubescent boys possess greater aerobic and strength capacities.
- Training background and biological maturation significantly impact strength.
- Selected parameters are valuable for identifying athletic talent in youth.