Abstract
Background: Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is routinely scaled as mL O-2 per kilogram body mass despite theoretical and statistical limitations of using ratios.
Aim: To examine the contribution of maturity status and body size descriptors to ageassociated inter-individual variability in VO2peak and to present static allometric models to normalize VO2peak in male youth soccer players.
Subjects and methods: Total body and estimates of total and regional lean mass were measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in a cross-sectional sample of Portuguese male soccer players. The sample was divided into three age groups for analysis: 8-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 years. VO2peak was estimated using an incremental maximal exercise test on a motorized treadmill. Static allometric models were used to normalize VO2peak.
Results: The independent variables with the best statistical fit explained 72% in the younger group (lean body mass: k = 1.07), 52% in mid-adolescent players (lean body mass: k = 0.93) and 31% in the older group (body mass: k = 0.51) of variance in VO2peak. The inclusion of the exponential term pubertal status marginally increased the explained variance in VO2peak (adjusted R-2 = 36-75%) and provided statistical adjustments to the size descriptors coefficients.
Conclusion: The allometric coefficients and exponents evidenced the varying inter-relationship among size descriptors and maturity status with aerobic fitness from early to late-adolescence. Lean body mass, lean lower limbs mass and body mass combined with pubertal status explain most of the inter-individual variability in VO2peak among youth soccer players.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 126-134 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Annals of human biology |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar-2015 |
Keywords
- Aerobic fitness
- body composition
- growth
- static allometry
- youth athletes
- LEFT-VENTRICULAR MASS
- LEAN BODY-MASS
- AEROBIC POWER
- ONTOGENIC ALLOMETRY
- SKELETAL AGE
- YOUNG MALE
- SIZE
- CHILDREN
- PERFORMANCE
- GROWTH