Stephanie J Morris, Jon L Oliver, John M Radnor, Mark Hill, G Gregory Haff, Rhodri S Lloyd
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Relative age effects and biological maturation are common biases within youth talent identification and development programs; however, their respective influence on youth weightlifting is unknown.
Method: Skeletal age, determined from ultrasonography, and competitive total loads (kg) were collected in 49 national age group weightlifters (boys: n = 24, age = 13.8 [2.4] y; girls: n = 25, age = 13.2 [2.4] y). The discrepancy score between skeletal age and chronological age was used to determine maturity timing, and participants' birth dates were classified into birth quartiles to examine relative age effects.
Results: Chi-square analysis (χ2) showed that birth quartile distributions across the age groups were not significantly different from national norms; however, maturity biases were evident, with significantly more "early maturers" and significantly fewer "on time maturers" than expected (P < .05). Regression analyses indicated that a large amount of variance in weightlifting performance (ie, absolute combined total) could be explained by skeletal age in both boys (R2 = .73) and girls (R2 = .75).
Conclusion: Biological maturation influences selection into weightlifting talent pathways to a greater extent than relative age. Maturation also has a strong influence on weightlifting performance and should be considered to facilitate both the identification and development of weightlifting talent.
期刊介绍:
Pediatric Exercise Science is a journal committed to enriching the scientific knowledge of exercise during childhood and adolescence. To this end it publishes information that contributes to an understanding of (a) the unique aspects of the physiologic, physical, biochemical, and psychologic responses of children to exercise, (b) the role of exercise in the treatment of pediatric chronic diseases, (c) the importance of physical activity in the prevention of illness and preservation of wellness, and (d) the means by which participation in sports may be made safer and more enjoyable for children and youth. Consideration will be given for publication of work by various methodologies consistent with the scientific approach.
Besides original research, the journal includes review articles, abstracts from other journals, book reviews, and editorial comments. Pediatric Exercise Science encourages the expression of conflicting opinions regarding children and exercise by providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. At the same time it serves as a means of accumulating a base of research information that will allow application of experimental data to clinical practice. The scientific disciplines contributing to this body of knowledge are diverse. Therefore it is the purpose of this journal to provide a common focus for disseminating advances in the science of exercise during childhood. In doing so, the journal allows the opportunity for cross-fertilization of ideas between disciplines that will potentiate the growth of knowledge in this field. Pediatric Exercise Science seeks to stimulate new ideas regarding exercise in children and to increase the awareness of scientists, health care providers, and physical educators of the importance of exercise during childhood.