Influence of maturation level on the development of physical performance in young combat sports athletes: a scoping review

• Published in: Sport sciences for health 2024-06, Vol.20 (2), p.299-308
• Main Authors: da Silva Athayde, Marina Saldanha, Kons, Rafael Lima, Dopico-Calvo, Xurxo, de Góes, Guilherme Heck, Detanico, Daniele
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Body composition; Child development; Combat sports; Competitive advantage; Girls; Human Physiology; Martial arts; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolic Diseases; Physical fitness; Puberty; Review; Sports Medicine
• ISSN: 1824-7490; 1825-1234
• DOI: 10.1007/s11332-023-01147-8

Background Combat sports practices during childhood and adolescence are accompanied by several beneficial effects. During this phase, the maturity status and timing play an important role for the young athletes and must be considered in youth training programs, especially for those who are about to start (or have already started) formal training and competitions. Aims This scoping review aimed to explore the influence of maturation level on development of physical performance in combat sports athletes in grappling groups (judo, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling). Methods “combat sports” or “judo” or “Brazilian jiu-jitsu” or “wrestling” and “maturation” or “growth” or “puberty” and “anthropometric” and “physical performance.” We followed five sequential methodological stages of: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting studies, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. Results A total of 11 studies were included, most of which used cross-sectional designs, focused on male judo athletes and investigated several physical tests and somatic maturation indicators (e.g., peak height velocity or predicted adult height). The main physical tests of participants were the maximal isometric handgrip strength test, vertical jump, and medicine ball throw test. Conclusion Maturity status and timing significantly influence the development of physical performance in young grappling athletes, particularly in judo, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Training experience, chronological age, and body size and composition also influence the physical performance in these athletes groups.