The 800 Meters Running Success Differences of School-Aged Female Athletes According to Maturity Stage

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the 800 meters running success differences of school-aged female athletes according to maturity stage. The study’s sample of respondents consisted of 26 school-aged female athletes who were selected for middle-distance running. The mean chronological age of the respondents was 12.67 ± 1.03 years. The respondents were divided into two groups according to biological maturity: Mid Peak Height Velocity (n = 13; mean chronological age 11.81 ± 0.57 years) and Post Peak Height Velocity (n = 13; mean chronological age 13.54 ± 0.52 years). Based on the results of the Student's T test of independent samples, it could be concluded that there was statistically significant difference in the 800 meters running success of female athletes according to biological maturity. It could be stated that respondents in the Post Peak Height Velocity group were more effective in this middle-distance running athletic discipline than respondents in the Mid Peak Height Velocity group. More specifically, female athletes with earlier stages of maturation dominated middle-distance running. Furthermore, because biological maturity causes differences in physical performance, maturity status should be the foundation of physical performance assessment. These findings can also be applied to the more successful selection of athletes. Trainers should avoid the potential risks associated with investing in athletes who dominate physical performance tests simply because they have matured earlier biologically.