Influence of biological maturation status on the physical performance of soccer players aged 11 to 15 years
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v74.117265Keywords:
Biological maturation, peak height velocity, biological age, young football players, physical performanceAbstract
Introduction: During adolescence, changes occur in growth and body composition, making it essential to recognize individual differences in the maturation process. In the case of football players, these differences may be reflected in better physical performance.
Objective: The study compared the physical performance of young football players according to their level of biological maturation.
Methodology: A non-experimental study with an associative strategy and a natural group design was used. A total of 36 male players from U-11 and U-15 categories participated, classified into three groups: pre-PHV (< −1; n = 17), mid-PHV (between −1 and +1; n = 13), and post-PHV (> +1; n = 6). The physical performance variables were grouped as follows: a) CMJ jump height, b) horizontal jump distance, c) maximal isometric strength in the isometric mid-thigh pull, d) distance in the medicine ball throw, and e) 20-meter sprint time.
Results: Significant differences were found in the various physical performance variables between the pre-PHV and mid-PHV groups, as well as between pre-PHV and post-PHV groups (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between the mid-PHV and post-PHV groups (p > .05).
Discussion: Maturation status is related to physical performance; however, it is not always a consistent predictor, especially in early age categories. Other factors, such as body mass and type of training, may also play a decisive role.
Conclusions: The results showed that players in the mid-PHV and post-PHV stages performed better physically than their pre-PHV peers.
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