Growth and maturity status of female table tennis players seeking authorization to compete in older age categories

Given the relatively small number of female youth table tennis players in some competitive age categories in Portugal, participants increasingly request authorization to compete in older age groups. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the growth and skeletal maturity status, and the body composition of female table tennis players in three competitive chronological age (CA) groups: U11, U13 and U15.

The sample included 61 female table tennis players 9.0 to 16.4 years who underwent medical evaluation associated with requests to compete in CA categories. The players were classified as U11 (n = 13), U13 (n = 26), and U15 (n = 21) Variables included stature, body mass, skeletal age (SA) using Fels method, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and estimates of fat mass and fat free mass. Based on SA minus CA), players were classified as late, on time, or early maturing. Characteristics were examined by competitive CA group and maturity status.

Statures and weights of players ranged from < 10th to > 90th percentiles of the respective references, while means by competitive CA groups were generally above the respective reference medians. The trend in body size was consistent with advanced skeletal maturity status as SA was in advance of CA by approximately one year, on average, within each CA group. Fat-free mass increased across CA groups, while percentage fat mass was relatively stable at 20-22%. Maturity-related variation was considerable within and among the competitive CA groups.

Variation in growth and skeletal maturity status and in body composition of female table tennis players was considerable within and overlapped between adjacent competitive CA groups. Variation in growth and maturity status among youth players has implications for talent identification and training. Assessment of skeletal maturity status can facilitate the individualization of developmentally appropriate approaches in youth sports.