Physiologic and anthropometric factors underlying endurance performance in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Sports Physiology
• Human Performance

Background:

• Endurance performance in children is influenced by a complex interplay of aerobic, anaerobic, and morphological factors.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for optimizing training and performance in young athletes.
• Previous research has explored these connections, but specific contributions of different fitness components require further elucidation in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between endurance performance and measures of aerobic fitness (VO2 max, anaerobic threshold), anaerobic capacity, and body composition (percent fat) in children aged 10-14.
• To determine the relative contribution of these fitness components to endurance performance using multiple regression analysis.
• To compare these fitness parameters and endurance performance between boys and girls in the specified age range.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 30 girls and 28 boys (10-14 years) underwent assessments for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and anaerobic threshold (AT) via a multistage treadmill test.
• Anaerobic capacity (AC) was measured using a 30-second cycling test, and body fat percentage was estimated from skinfold measurements.
• Endurance performance was evaluated using a 2-km run time, and data were analyzed using correlation and forward selection multiple regression.

Main Results:

• Strong correlations were observed between 2-km run time and VO2 max (-0.73), AT-VO2 (-0.73), and AC (-0.77). Percent fat showed a positive correlation (0.55).
• Multiple regression analysis revealed that AC accounted for 59.5% of the variance in endurance performance, with VO2 max contributing an additional 6.9%. AT and percent fat did not significantly add to the predictive model.
• Boys demonstrated higher VO2 max and AT-VO2 values than girls, while no significant differences in run time or AC were found. Older girls had higher body fat percentages than older boys.

Conclusions:

• Both anaerobic capacity and aerobic fitness are substantially related to endurance performance in children aged 10-14.
• Anaerobic capacity emerges as the strongest predictor of endurance performance in this age group, followed by maximal oxygen uptake.
• While aerobic measures are important, anaerobic factors play a dominant role, and gender-specific differences in certain fitness components exist within this pediatric population.