Physical characteristics of elite youth male football players aged 13–15 are based upon biological maturity

PeerJ

article

Shidong Yang¹  Haichun Chen¹ 

[1] School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Fujian Normal University;Department of Physical Education, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University

关键词: Skeletal age;    Football;    Youth;    Physical characteries;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.13282

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Background Older and more mature football players have been reported to gain advantages in the selection process during adolescence. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of skeletal age (SA) on the physical characteristics of elite male football players aged 13–15 years through a cross-sectional study. Methods and Materials We enrolled 167 elite players aged 13–15 from three academic football schools in China, and measured height, body mass, thigh circumference, skinfold (triceps and calf), 10 m/30-m sprint, T +1 year, SA-CA = ±1 year, and SA-CA < −1 year, respectively. The differences in parameters among the groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni’s post-hoc test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Relative to the late-maturing players, the early- and average-maturing players aged 13–15 years were taller, heavier, had a larger thigh circumference, and scored higher on the standing long jump, 30 m sprint, and 5 × 25-RSA (p < 0.05). The physical (except for body-fat percentage) and athletic characteristics of players aged 13–15 were not only significantly influenced by biological maturity, but also increased significantly with CA. The influence of biological maturity on height, 30-m sprints, and 5 × 25-m RSA diminished with age and exerted no significant effect on body-fat percentage and on YYIR1. Late-maturing players exhibited the greatest increase in physical (except for body-fat percentage) and athletic performance (except for the 10-m sprint) compared to players of early and/or average maturity. Conclusions Although early-maturing players aged 13–15 possessed better anthropometric and physical performance than late- and average-maturing players, the growth and development of physical function of late- and average-maturing players was significantly greater, particularly with respect to height, sprint speed, and muscular power.

【 授权许可】

CC BY