Investigation of the Stretch-Shortening Cycle Performance of Youth Female Volleyball Players According to Different Biological Maturation and Training Status.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biological maturation and training status on stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) performance in youth female athletes.MethodsA total of 120 youth female volleyball players, whose biological maturation status was divided into three categories (pre, mid and post PHV) according to the Mirwald equation, voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were further divided into two groups (competitive and recreational) according to their training status and competition level in order to observe the effects of training on SSC. The competitive group trained for at least 4 hours per week and participated in official competitions in the previous year, while the recreational group spent only 2 hours in volleyball activities. Drop jump (DJ) tests were performed to assess SSC performance. Reactive strength index (RSI), ground contact time (GCT), flight time (FT), and jump height (JH) were calculated from the DJ test. A 20-m sprint test was also performed.ResultsSignificant differences were observed between maturation status for RSI (p < .001), GCT (p < .001), FT (p < .001), JH (p < .001), and 20-m sprint-time (p < .001). In addition, with respect to training status, significant differences were observed only for sprint-time (p < .05) and GCT (p < .001). No significant differences were observed in the interaction between training status and biological maturity.ConclusionSSC performance is influenced by maturation and partially by training status. The effect of training was observed in GCT and sprint-time, where technical skills may be prominent. Maturity and training status should be considered when evaluating and monitoring SSC in youth female athletes.