Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > Associations between biological maturation, phy...

Associated organisational unit

Links

Text available via DOI:

View graph of relations

Associations between biological maturation, physical performance, postural control, and mathematical achievement in youth soccer players

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
  • Souhail Hermassi
  • Mario André da Cunha Espada (Editor)
  • Ferman Konukman
  • Senaid Salem Al-Marri
  • Lawrence D. Hayes
  • Thomas Bartels
  • René Schwesig
Close
Article number0298301
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>7/03/2024
<mark>Journal</mark>PLoS One
Issue number3
Volume19
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

This investigation explored relationships between biological maturation, physical and academic performance in young male soccer players. Thirty-eight players (age: 9.79 ± 1.21 years; body mass index (BMI): 20.4 ± 2.39 kg/m2; body fat: 16.8 ± 2.21%) participated. Measures of anthropometry used for body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and BMI as well. Postural control, 15 m sprint, squat jumps and counter-movement jumps (SJ, CMJ), and T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) were parameters of physical performance. The grade point average (GPA) of mathematics determined academic attainment. Moore’s equations were used to estimate their maturity status (PHV). Biological maturation was highly correlated with most (not 15 m sprint) physical and academic performance parameters, especially CMJ (r = -0.812) and mathematics (r = -0.781). Academic performance showed the largest relations to the jumping performance (CMJ: r = 0.771; SJ: r = 0.723). In contrast, anthropometric and fatness parameters were not relevantly (r ≥ 0.5) correlated with any other parameters. The largest correlations were calculated for sitting height vs. SJ (r = -0.408), sitting height vs. postural control (r = -0.355), leg length vs. postural control (r = -0.339). As a result, it is essential to take biological maturation inconsideration while assessing the physical and academic achievement of young soccer players. In consequence, soccer coaches and physical education (PE) teachers should be cognizant of the impact of biological maturity on physical and academic performance to assist fair and equal opportunities for achievement in young players.