Physical capacity, not skeletal maturity, distinguishes competitive levels in male Norwegian U14 soccer players

The main aim of the present study was to compare skeletal maturity level and physical capacities between male Norwegian soccer players playing at elite, sub‐elite and non‐elite level. Secondary, we aimed to investigate the association between skeletal maturity level and physical capacities. One hund...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2020-02, Vol.30 (2), p.254-263
Main Authors: Grendstad, Halvard, Nilsen, Ann‐Kristin, Rygh, Cecilie Brekke, Hafstad, Arild, Kristoffersen, Morten, Iversen, Vegard Vereide, Nybakken, Tone, Vestbøstad, Mona, Algrøy, Erling André, Sandbakk, Øyvind, Gundersen, Hilde
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Age Factors
Anthropometry
Aptitude
Athletes
Athletic Performance
Body Composition
Bone and Bones - physiology
Child
competitive levels
Exercise Test
Humans
Male
Norway
physical capacity
Physical Endurance
Physical Fitness
skeletal maturation
Soccer
talent selection
youth soccer
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The main aim of the present study was to compare skeletal maturity level and physical capacities between male Norwegian soccer players playing at elite, sub‐elite and non‐elite level. Secondary, we aimed to investigate the association between skeletal maturity level and physical capacities. One hundred and two U14 soccer players (12.8‐14.5 years old) recruited from four local clubs, and a regional team were tested for bone age and physical capacities. Bone age was estimated with x‐ray of their left hand and used to indicate maturation of the skeleton. Players went through a comprehensive test battery to assess their physical capacities. Between‐groups analysis revealed no difference in chronological age, skeletal maturity level, leg strength, body weight, or stature. However, elite players were superior to sub‐elite and non‐elite players on important functional characteristics as intermittent‐endurance capacity (running distance: 1664 m ± 367 vs 1197 m ± 338 vs 693 m ± 235) and running speed (fastest 10 m split time: 1.27 seconds ± 0.06 vs 1.33 seconds ± 0.10 vs 1.39 seconds ± 0.11), in addition to maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), standing long jump, and upper body strength (P 
ISSN:0905-7188
1600-0838
DOI:10.1111/sms.13572