title: Peak-power estimation equations in 12- to 16-year old children: comparing linear with allometric models.
abstract: This study examined the efficacy of peak-power estimation equations in children using force platform data and determined whether allometric modeling offers a sounder alternative to estimating peak power in pediatric samples. Ninety one boys and girls aged 12-16 years performed 3 countermovement jumps (CMJ) on a force platform. Estimated peak power (PP(est)) was determined using the Harman et al., Sayers SJ, Sayers CMJ, and Canavan and Vescovi equations. All 4 equations were associated with actual peak power (r = 0.893-0.909, all p < .01). There were significant differences between PP(est) using the Harman et al., Sayers SJ, and Sayers CMJ equations (p < .05) and actual peak power (PP(actual)). ANCOVA also indicated sex and age effect for PPactual (p < .01). Following a random two-thirds to one-third split of participants, an additive linear model (p = .0001) predicted PPactual (adjusted R(2) = .866) from body mass and CMJ height in the two-thirds split (n = 60). An allometric model using CMJ height, body mass, and age was then developed with this sample, which predicted 88.8% of the variance in PP(actual) (p < .0001, adjusted R(2) = .888). The regression equations were cross-validated using the one-third split sample (n = 31), evidencing a significant positive relationship (r = .910, p = .001) and no significant difference (p = .151) between PP(actual) and PP(est) using this equation. The allometric and linear models determined from this study provide accurate models to estimate peak power in children.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Biomolecular and Sports Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hankey
authors.forename: Alan M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Nevill
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014142:Track and Field / Q000502:physiology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology