title: Maximal sprint speed in boys of increasing maturity.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the natural development of the mechanical features of sprint performance in relation to maturation within a large cohort of boys. Three hundred and thirty-six boys (11-15 years) were analyzed for sprint performance and maturation. Maximal speed, stride length (SL), stride frequency (SF), flight time (FT) and contact time (CT) were assessed during a 30m sprint. Five maturation groups (G1-5) were established based on age from peak height velocity (PHV) where G1=>2.5years pre-PHV, G2 = 2.49-1.5years pre-PHV, G3 = 1.49-0.5years pre-PHV, G4 = 0.49years pre- to 0.5years post-PHV and G5 = 0.51-1.5years post-PHV. There was no difference in maximal speed between G1, G2 and G3 but those in G4 and G5 were significantly faster (p < .05) than G1-3. Significant increases (p < .05) in SL were observed between groups with advancing maturation, except G4 and G5 (p > .05). SF decreased while CT increased (both p < .05) between G1, G2 and G3, but no further significant changes (p > .05) were observed for either variable between G3, G4 and G5. While G1-3 increased their SL, concomitant decreases in SF and increases in CT prevented them from improving maximal speed. Maximal sprint speed appears to develop around and post-PHV as SF and CT begin to stabilize, with increases in maximal sprint speed in maturing boys being underpinned by increasing SL.
authors: Cardiff School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK.
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Meyers
authors: Jonathan L
authors: JL
authors: Oliver
authors: Michael G
authors: MG
authors: Hughes
authors: John B
authors: JB
authors: Cronin
authors: Rhodri S
authors: RS
authors: Lloyd
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development / Q000502:physiology*; D000367:Age Factors; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*