Maturational effect on physical capacities and anabolic hormones in under-16 elite footballers: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose The purposes of this study were to describe the fitness and hormonal levels according to playing time (PT) (i.e., PT during season less (PT1) or more (PT2) than 50% of the total time) and maturation level (ML) (i.e., normal (ML1) and early maturity levels (ML2)), and to analyze the differences between groups for the measures of aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, power performance, and hormonal concentrations. Methods Twenty-four youth footballers of a U16 team participated in this study. Anthropometric measures, maturity status, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), maximal oxygen uptake, fatigue index, and countermovement jump were collected. Results Significant differences were found between both PT and ML groups for maturational status, aerobic capacity, power performance, and IGF1 concentrations. The interaction of PT and ML revealed significant differences for maturity offset and power performance. When using the skeletal age as a covariant, the previously significant differences found were reduced only to the fatigue index measure. Conclusions The response variables analyzed in the present study seem to be influenced by PT and ML. This must be considered when planning training, and coaches must be sensible to these effects as they may assume a preponderant role in PT.

Effects of 8-Week In-Season Contrast Strength Training Program on Measures of Athletic Performance and Lower-Limb Asymmetry in Male Youth Volleyball Players

“…They all had been playing volleyball on a regular basis three–four times a week (i.e., ∼90 min per session), with a match played during the weekend, for more than 3 years. Maturity offset of participants was calculated according to Moore et al [ 14 ].…”

“…Dynamic balance performance was evaluated by the Y-Balance Test [ 14 ]. All trials were conducted barefoot.…”

The influence of maturation, fitness, and hormonal indices on minutes played in elite youth soccer players: a cross-sectional study

“…Furthermore, programs of soccer training imposed on U16 appear to increase GH and IGF1 activity and concentrations, which consequently, yield concomitant increases in strength levels and aerobic performance [ 18 ]. Given that post-PHV, the GH and IGF1 levels return to normal concentrations therein reducing the anabolic environment, it is conceivable that strength and power characteristics might influence MP less than aerobic capacity [ 21 , 32 , 54 ]. However, from the findings of our study, it appears that hormonal activity, fitness levels, and maturity offset may influence the selection for competition and MP.…”

“…Based on a previous study that highlighted large to very large correlations between physiological variables in young soccer players [ 32 , 33 ], we computed the sample size necessary to achieve a power of, at least, 0.90. Accordingly, using a correlation with the point biserial model hypothesis, expected largely to very large correlations, and an α error probability of 0.05 and 1-β err probability, 21 participants would be required to achieve the aforementioned power.…”

Exploring interactions between maturity status and playing time with fluctuations in physical fitness and hormonal markers in youth soccer players

“…This study was performed as a quasi-experimental and cohort research which was conducted on a cross-sectional basis. Players were divided into two groups in terms of playing time, the first group played less than 50% of the tournament time (PT1) and the second group played more than 50% of the tournament time (PT2) in fact PT1 and PT2 were separated based upon the amount of match-play 24 . According to the maturity, players were categories as normal maturity (ML1) or early maturity (ML2) 25 .…”