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

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.

Comparative Analysis of Physical Activity, Performance-Related Health, and Academic Achievements in 11-to-13-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Qatar.

Age-related differences in physical activity (PA), maturity status (PHV), physical performance (PP), and academic achievement (AA) among schoolchildren in Qatar were examined. Sixty-nine students from a school in Doha were categorized into three equal (n = 23) groups: 11-year-old students (U11; male: n = 14), 12-year-old students (U12: male: n = 7), and 13-year-old students (U13: male: n = 11). The testing process comprised a medicine ball throw, Stork balance test, hand grip strength test, the T-half test (PP), GPA in Arabic, mathematics, science (AA), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (PA), and Moore's equations (PHV). Relevant age-related differences (p < 0.001) were identified in mathematics, science, the T-half test, maturity, and arm span. Notably, differences between adjacent age groups were evident between U11 and U12, concerning arm span, maturity, mathematics, and science, and between U12 and U13 (the T-half test, mathematics, science). Concerning AP, the performance maxima were calculated for U12 (mathematics, science) and U11 (Arabic). Regarding PP, performance maxima were only observed for U13. Except for the moderate level, the highest levels of PA were detected in U13. Maturity status and anthropometric parameters did not differ significantly between age groups. However, AA demonstrated the most notable age-related differences. Specifically, mathematics showed substantial differences between adjacent age groups.

Differences in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Health-Related Physical Performance Indices and Academic Achievement: A Comparative Study of Normal-Weight and Obese Children in Qatar.

Background: The relationship between physical activity (PA), health-related physical performance (PP), and academic achievement (AA) plays an important role in childhood. This study examined the differences in PA, sedentary behavior, health-related PP, maturity status, and AA between normal-weight and obese school children in Qatar. Methods: Eighty schoolchildren were recruited (age: 12.1 ± 0.6 years). Based on age-specific BMI percentiles, the children were classified as normal weight (n = 40) or obese (n = 40). Moore's equations were used to estimate their maturity status (PHV). The measurements encompassed anthropometric data as well as PP tests (medicine ball throw, postural stability, handgrip strength). AA was assessed by reviewing school records for grade point average in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic courses. The total amount of time spent participating in PA each week was calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Results: Handgrip strength was the only parameter that showed a relevant group difference (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.15; normal weight: 19.7 ± 3.46 N; obese: 21.7 ± 2.80 N). We found only one moderate correlation between PHV and handgrip strength (r = 0.59). Conclusions: The findings suggest that obesity status alone might not serve as a sufficient predictor of AA in school or PA levels.