Anthropometric variables, propulsive force and biological maturation: A mediation analysis in young swimmers

Youth swimming performance may be influenced by anthropometric and body composition factors during growth. Propulsive force of the arm (PFA) is highly related to swimming performance as 85-90% of the propulsive power comes from the arms. The current study analyzed the mediating effect of biological maturation on the relationship between anthropometric variables and body composition with PFA in young swimmers. A total of 128 swimmers [boys: n = 53, age = 13.6 (1.8) y; girls: n = 75, age = 12.5 (1.8) y] were evaluated. Propulsive force of the arm was estimated by the tethered swimming test. Anthropometric characteristics (body mass, stature, sitting height, arm span, arm muscle area, %body fat, and fat-free mass) were evaluated. Biological maturation was estimated by the age of peak height velocity. Mediation analyses were performed using the Preacher and Hayes bootstrapping method, adjusted for chronological age and sex. All anthropometric and body composition variables, except %body fat, were positively associated with PFA, being mediated by biological maturation. Indirect effects and 95% confidence intervals were: body mass [.20 (.09-.34)], stature [.22 (.11-.43)], arm span [0.17 (.05-.31)], arm muscle area [.74 (.38-1.19)] and fat free-mass [.17 (.05-.34)]. In conclusion, biological maturation mediated the positive associations between body size and composition and PFA in young swimmers.