Biological maturity associated variance in peak power output and momentum in academy rugby union players

Sean Howard, Sean Cumming, Mark Atkinson, Robert M Malina

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Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the mediating effect of biological maturation on anthropometrical measurements, performance indicators and subsequent selection in a group of academy rugby union players. Methods: 51 male players 14-17 years of age were assessed for Height, weight, and BMI and percentage of predicted mature status attained at the time of observation was used as an indicator of maturity status. Following this, initial sprint velocity (ISV), wattbike peak power output (PPO) and initial sprint momentum (ISM) was assessed. Results: A bias towards on-time (n = 44) and early (n = 7) maturers was evident in the total sample and magnified with age cohort. Relative to UK reference values, weight and height were above the 90th and 75th centiles, respectively. Significant (P ≤ .01) correlations were observed between maturity status and BMI (r = .48), weight (r = .63) and height (r = .48). Regression analysis (controlling for age) revealed that maturity status and height explained 68% of ISM variance; however, including BMI in the model attenuated the influence of maturity status below statistical significance (p=.72). Height and BMI explained 51% of PPO variance, while no initial significant predictors were identified for ISV. Conclusion: Results indicate a clear selection bias towards earlier maturers within this sample of rugby union players. This was attributable in part, to the mediating effect of maturation on body size, which, in turn, predicted performance variables.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)972-980
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science
Volume16
Issue number8
Early online date2 Aug 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • youth
  • body composite
  • percentage of mature height
  • maturation
  • growth
  • rugby
  • adolescence
  • momentum

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