Body Size, Fatness and Skeletal Age in Female Youth Soccer Players.

Growth and maturation are central concerns in the organization of training and competitions in youth sports. This study examined maturity-associated variation in body size and adiposity among adolescent girls participating in competitive age group youth soccer. The sample included 441 players 10.08-16.73 years of age. Stature and body mass were measured and body composition was predicted. The Fels method was used to estimate skeletal age. Skeletally maturity status (late, average or early maturing) was based on the difference between chronological and skeletal age for each player. Mean stature approximated the 50th percentiles of the general population in all competitive age groups, while mean weight fluctuated between 50th and 75th percentiles. Age- and maturity-specific means for estimated fat mass ranged between 18.0% and 28.2%. The number of players classified as skeletally mature increased with competitive age groups (under-13: 0%; under-15: 8%; under-17: 49%). In general, early maturing girls tended to be heavier than their age group peers and especially when compared to late maturing players.

Assessment of skeletal age in youth female soccer players: Agreement between Greulich-Pyle and Fels protocols.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the agreement between the Fels and Greulich-Pyle methods for the assessment of skeletal age (SA) in female youth soccer players. METHODS: The sample included 441 Portuguese players 10.08-16.73 years of age who regularly participated in organized and competitive soccer. Standardized radiographs of the left hand-wrist were obtained and analyzed by an experienced examiner. SA was estimated with the Fels and Greulich-Pyle (GP) methods. Differences between SA and chronological age (CA) were used to define skeletal maturity groups: late, average and early maturing. In addition to descriptive statistics, Cohen's kappa and Lin concordance correlation coefficients were used to evaluate agreement between methods. RESULTS: Intraindividual differences in SA based on the two methods varied between 0.10 to 1.47 years among age groups with larger mean differences at older ages. Agreement of maturity classifications between methods was 74% at younger ages (under-13: kappa = 0.48; under-14: kappa = 0.39; Lin CCC = 0.68) and declined with increasing CA (under-17: 19% agreement; kappa = 0.001; Lin CCC = 0.11). About 19% of the total sample was skeletally mature with the Fels method and an SA was not assigned; in contrast, no players were skeletally mature with the GP method. CONCLUSIONS: GP SAs were systematically lower than Fels SAs among female soccer players. Intraindividual variability in SAs between methods was considerable. The findings highlight the impact of method on estimates of maturity status.

Growth, body composition and bone mineral density among pubertal male athletes: intra-individual 12-month changes and comparisons between soccer players and swimmers.

BACKGROUND: Puberty is a period of intense changes in human body and, additionally, participation in sports is viewed as prominent form of physical activity among male adolescent athletes. The current study was aimed to examine the intra-individual changes in body composition and bone tissue during years of maximal growth and the effect of 12-month participation in sports contrasting in mechanical impact. METHODS: The sample included 40 male adolescent athletes (soccer: n = 20; swimming: n = 20) aged 12.57 ± 0.37 years who were followed for 12 months. Stature and body mass were measured, bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), lean soft and fat tissues assessed using DXA. Food intake was estimated using a questionnaires and training sessions individually monitored. Repeated measures ANOVA tested the differences between sports and 12-month intra-individual variation (time moments: TM1, TM2). The analyses on aBMD for total body and total body less head were repeated controlling for variation in stature at baseline. RESULTS: Soccer players completed 63 ± 31 sessions (95 ± 47 h). Respective values for swimmers were 248 ± 28 sessions and 390 ± 56 h. In general, the analysis of aBMD as dependent variable evidenced significant effect of sport-associated variation (F = 5.254, p < 0.01; η2 = 0.35) and 12-month increments, particularly at lower limbs (F = 97.238, p < 0.01; η2 = 0.85). Respective mean values for aBMD were SCCTM1 = 0.885 g.cm-2, SWMTM1 = 0.847 g.cm-2, SCCTM2 = 0.939 g.cm-2, SWMTM2 = 0.880. Regarding the lean soft tissue, the magnitude of effects was very large for intra-individual variation (F = 223.043, p < 0.01; η2 = 0.92) and moderate between sports (F = 7.850, p < 0.01; η2 = 0.41): SCCTM1 = 30.6 kg, SWMTM1 = 34.9 kg, SCCTM2 = 35.8 kg, SWMTM2 = 40.5 kg). Finally, d-cohen values reporting percentage of intra-individual changes in aBMD between soccer players ad swimmers were large for the trochanter (d = 1.2; annual increments: SCC = 8.1%, SWM = 3.6%). CONCLUSION: Puberty appeared as a period of significant intra-individual changes in lean soft tissue and bone mineral density. With increasing accumulated training experience, mean difference between sports contrasting in mechanical impact tended to me more pronounced in particular at the lower limbs.

Growth and maturity status of young male table tennis players.

A maturity-associated gradient among adolescent athletes in many sports tends to favour early maturing participants. This study was aimed to describe inter-individual variance in growth and skeletal maturation among male youth table tennis. The sample included 99 players registered in competitive clubs for at least 2 years. Chronological age (CA) ranged 10.00-14.63 years. Stature and body mass were plotted relative to US references. Skeletal age (SA) was estimated with the Fels method. Maturity status was given as SA minus CA. Somatic maturation was derived from predicted age at peak height velocity. Mean values for stature and weight were above the reference medians from 10 to 13 years and at the median in the oldest group. In general, SA was in advance to CA (CA: 12.45 ± 1.28 years; SA: 13.44 ± 2.37 years). The majority of the players were early maturing according to SA (52%) and average maturing based on the somatic indicator (80%). The results suggested that table tennis tends to retain taller and heavier participants who are somewhat advanced in skeletal maturity. Participation in youth table tennis and opportunities to win need to consider age- and maturity-associated variations, particularly regarding bands for competitions.

Allometric Scaling of Force-velocity Test Output Among Pre-pubertal Basketball Players.

Basketball is characterized by high-intensity episodes predominantly reliant on anaerobic metabolism. The force-velocity test enables individual determination of an optimal braking force and emerged as appropriate to estimate optimal peak power. It has rarely been used in youth basketball. This study aimed to examine the contribution of body size, composition, and biological maturation to interindividual variation in force-velocity test output among pre-pubertal basketball players. The sample consisted of 64 male participants (8.4-12.3 years). Stature, sitting height, body mass and two skinfolds were measured, and leg length estimated. Fat-free mass and lower limb volume were estimated from anthropometry. Age at peak height velocity was predicted from maturity offset. Optimal peak power was correlated with all body size descriptors (correlation: 0.541-0.700). Simple allometric models explained 30-47% of inter-individual variance, with fat-free mass being the best predictor of performance. Whole-body fat-free mass (as a surrogate for active muscle mass) plus the indicator of maturation emerged as the best proportional allometric model (53% explained variance). Even at pre-pubertal ages, the interpretation of the force-velocity test requires assessing the metabolically active component of body mass.

Longitudinal development of 5m sprint performance in young female tennis players.

Sprint performance over short distances is a central component in young tennis players' development. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal development of sprint performance in young female tennis players, and to investigate differences between performance levels. Also potentially explanatory variables were investigated. Female tennis players aged 10-15 (N = 167) participated in a, mixed-longitudinal study (n = 48 elite; n = 119 sub-elite). Players were measured annually on the 5 m sprint as well as for possible explaining variables for 5 m sprint performance development (age, height, body mass, maturity status, lower limb explosive strength). Multilevel analysis was used to obtain a developmental model. Moreover, it was possible to predict sprint performance (5 m) based on chronological age, body size given by height, and lower limb strength performance (p < .05). Significant different developmental patterns were found for elite and sub-elite players, with elite players aged 10-14 being faster. After age 14, no significant differences were found in sprint performance between elite and sub-elite players (p > . 05). Sprint performance is an important characteristic of young female tennis players and seemed to depend on growth and maturation in parallel to physical fitness.

Reproducibility and inter-observer agreement of Greulich-Pyle protocol to estimate skeletal age among female adolescent soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal age (SA) is considered the best method of assessing biological maturation. The aim of this study was to determine intra-observer (reproducibility) and inter-observer agreement of SA values obtained via the Greulich-Pyle (GP) method. In addition, the variation in calculated SAs by alternative GP protocols was examined. METHODS: The sample was composed of 100 Portuguese female soccer players aged 12.0-16.7 years. SAs were determined using the GP method by two observers (OB1: experience < 100 exams using GP; OB2: experience > 2000 exams using several methods). The radiographs were examined using alternative GP protocols: (wholeGP) the plate was matched to the atlas as an overall approach; (30-boneGP) bone-by-bone inspections of 30-bones; (GPpmb) bone-by-bone inspections of the pre-mature bones only. For the 30-boneGP and GPpmb approaches, SA was calculated via the mean (M) and the median (Md). RESULTS: Reproducibility ranged 82-100% and 88-100% for OB1 and OB2, respectively. Inter-observer agreement (100 participants multiplied by 30 bones) was 92.1%. For specific bones, agreement rates less than 90% were found for scaphoid (81%), medial phalange V (83%), trapezium (84%) and metacarpal V (87%). Differences in wholeGP SAs obtained by the two observers were moderate (d-cohen was 0.79). Mean differences between observers when using bone-by bone SAs were trivial (30-boneGP: d-cohen less than 0.05; GPpmb: d-cohen less than 0.10). The impact of using the mean or the median was negligible, particularly when analyses did not include bones scored as mature. CONCLUSION: The GP appeared to be a reasonably reproducible method to assess SA and inter-observer agreement was acceptable. There is evidence to support a recommendation of only scoring pre-mature bones during later adolescence. Further research is required to examine whether these findings are consistent in younger girls and in boys.

Scaling left ventricular mass in adolescent female soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine the contribution of chronological age (CA), skeletal maturation, training experience and concurrent body size descriptors, to inter-individual variance in left ventricular mass (LVM) among female adolescent soccer players. METHODS: The sample included 228 female soccer players 11.8-17.1 years. Training experience defined as years of participation in competitive soccer (range 2-9 years), was obtained by interview. Stature, body mass and skinfolds (triceps, medial calf) were measured. Fat mass was estimated; Fat-free mass was derived. LVM was assessed by echocardiography. Skeletal maturity status was as the difference of skeletal age (SA, Fels method) minus CA. RESULTS: Fat-free mass was the most prominent single predictor of LVM (R2 = 36.6%). It was associated with an allometric coefficient close to linearity (k = 0.924, 95%CI: 0.737 to 1.112). A significant multiplicative allometric model including body mass, fat-free mass, CA, training experience and skeletal maturity status was also obtained (R = 0.684; R2 = 46.2%). CONCLUSION: Stature has limitations as a valid size descriptor of LVM. Body mass, fat-free mass, training experience, CA, body mass and skeletal maturity status were relevant factors contributing to inter-individual variability in LVM.

Gonadal hormones may predict structural bone fragility in elite female soccer player.

Purpose: This study determined the impact of menstrual status on bone tissue in elite post-pubertal female soccer players over an entire season.Methods: Fifty-one elite female soccer players participated. At baseline, forty-one were assigned to the low hormonal androgenic profile (low-HAPL) and 10 to the high hormonal androgenic profile (high-HAPL).Results: An 8-month training program led to increased bone mineral density content (p<0.05). The low-HAPL athletes improved the Narrow neck average cortical thickness (ACT) by 1.4% and reduced the corresponding Buckling ratio (BR) by 2.6%, thus decreasing the fracture risk (p<0.05). The high-HAPL athletes decreased the Narrow neck ACT by 5.4% and increased the BR by 2.6%, increasing fracture risk (p<0.05). Differences were assigned as being "very likely beneficial" for the low-HAPL athletes, supported by very large (d=3.41) and large (d=1.58) effect sizes for the Narrow neck ACT and BR, respectively.Conclusion: A season of soccer training has induced bone geometry improvements in adolescent females. Bone health parameters improved in the two clusters. However, high-HAPL athletes decreased its resistance to loading compare to low-HAPL athletes. Even if female players do not present clinical symptoms related to their hormonal status, sport medicine physicians should pay attention to their structural bone fragility.

Independent and Combined Effects of Weight Status and Maturation on Aerobic Fitness in Adolescent School-Aged Males.

Batista, MB, Valente-dos-Santos, J, Duarte, JP, Sousa-e-Silva, P, Coelho-e-Silva, MJ, Werneck, AO, Ohara, D, Cyrino, ES, and Ronque, ERV. Independent and combined effects of weight status and maturation on aerobic fitness in adolescent school-aged males. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2663-2671, 2020-This study aimed to examine the independent and combined effects of pubertal and weight status on concurrent measurements of peak oxygen (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) in school-aged adolescent males. The final sample included 49 boys (12.3 ± 0.8 years). V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak was derived from an incremental progressive maximal protocol using a motorized treadmill. In addition, maximal oxygen uptake was estimated from a 20-m shuttle run test. Static allometric models were obtained as an alternative to performance output per unit of size descriptors. Weight status had a significant effect on V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak using simple ratio standards per unit of body mass (BM) with adolescents classified as overweight and obese (OWOB) attaining lower values of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak. A similar trend was noted for the allometric models adopting body mass (ml·kgBM·min), stature (L·m·min), and fat-free mass (FFM; ml·kgFFM·min). Findings also suggest the influence and interaction of pubertal and weight status on absolute values of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak. Considering the data obtained, linear equations to estimate V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak from the 20-m shuttle run test should not be applied to boys who are OWOB because it will produce inaccurate assessments of cardiorespiratory fitness and penalize those who are heavier. Equations for V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak prediction need to be specific for pubertal status and preferably consider FFM as a body size descriptor.

Allometric Modeling of Wingate Test among Adult Male Athletes from Combat Sports.

Background and objectives: Athletes from combat sports are grouped into a series of weight categories that are intended to promote fair competition. Differences in performance are partly attributable to differences in body size. Consequently, ratio standards in which a performance variable is simply divided by an anthropometric characteristic such as body mass are often used, although this application is not recommended. This study aimed to obtain allometric models to interpret Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) outputs among male adult athletes from combat sports. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 64 participants aged 18-39 years (24.2 ± 4.6 years). Stature and body mass (BM) were measured and air displacement plethysmography used to estimate fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM). Lower-limb lean soft tissue (LL-LST) was derived from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. WAnT outputs were peak power (WAnT-PP) and mean power (WAnT-MP). Allometric models were obtained from simple and multiple linear regressions using log-transformed variables. Results: Models derived from a single three-dimension descriptor explained a large portion of variance: WAnT-PP (BM: 31.1%; FFM: 54%; LL-LST: 47.2%) and WAnT-MP (BM: 50.1%; FFM: 57.4%; LL-LST: 62.7%). Finally, the best proportional allometric models emerged from the combination of LL-LST and FFM (WAnT-PP: 55%; WAnT-MP: 65%). Conclusions: The relationship between weight categories and performance did not seem to be explained by the basic principles of geometric similarity.

Allometric scaling of aerobic fitness outputs in school-aged pubertal girls.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the allometric exponents for concurrent size descriptors (stature, body mass and fat-free mass) and also to examine the contribution of chronological age and pubertal status combined with above mentioned size descriptors to explain inter-individual variability in the peak of oxygen uptake (VO2peak) among girls during circumpubertal years. METHODS: The final sample included 51 girls (10.7-13.5 years). VO2peak was derived from an incremental progressive maximal protocol using a motorized treadmill. Anthropometry included body mass, stature and skinfolds. Measurements were performed by a single trained observer. Sexual maturation was assessed as self-reported stage of pubic hair (PH) development. Static allometric models were explored as an alternative to physiological output per unit of size descriptors. Allometry also considered chronological age and sexual maturation as dummy variable (PH2 vs. PH3 and PH3 vs. PH4). RESULTS: Scaling coefficients for stature, body mass and fat-free mass were 1.463 (95%CI: 0.476 to 2.449), 0.516 (95%CI: 0.367 to 0.666) and 0.723 (95%CI: 0.494 to 0.951), respectively. The inclusion of sexual maturation increased explained variance for VO2peak (55% for PH2 vs. PH3 and 47% for PH3 vs. PH4). Body mass was identified as the most prominent body size descriptor in the PH2 vs. PH3 while fat-free mass was the most relevant predictor combined with PH3 vs. PH4. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass and fat-free mass seemed to establish a non-linear relationship with VO2peak. Across puberty, inter-individual variability in VO2peak is explained by sexual maturation combined with whole body during early puberty and by sexual maturation and fat-free mass during late puberty. Additional studies need to confirm ontogenetic allometric models during years of maximal growth.

Total and regional bone mineral and tissue composition in female adolescent athletes: comparison between volleyball players and swimmers.

BACKGROUND: Exploring the osteogenic effect of different bone-loading sports is particular relevant to understand the interaction between skeletal muscle and bone health during growth. This study aimed to compare total and regional bone and soft-tissue composition between female adolescent swimmers (n=20, 15.71±0.93 years) and volleyball players (n=26, 16.20±0.77 years). METHODS: Dietary intake was obtained using food frequency questionnaires. Body size was given by stature, sitting height, and body mass. Six skinfolds were measured. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), lean soft tissue, and fat tissue were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pearson's product moment correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships among variables, by type of sport. Comparisons between swimmers and volleyball players were performed using student t-tests for independent samples and multivariate analysis of covariance (controlling for age, training history and body size). RESULTS: Swimmers (BMC: 2328±338 g) and volleyball players (BMC: 2656±470 g) exceeded respectively by 2.1 and 2.8 standard deviation scores the average of international standards for whole body BMC of healthy adolescents. Years of training in swimmers were positively related to the upper limbs BMC (r=+0.49, p<0.05). In volleyball players, years of training correlated significantly with lower limbs BMD (r=+0.43, p<0.05). After adjustments for potential confounders, moderate differences (ES-r=0.32) between swimmers and volleyball players were noted in BMD at the lower limbs (volleyball players: +0.098 g∙cm-2, +7.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Youth female athletes who participate in high-intensity weight-loading activities such as volleyball exhibit moderately higher levels of BMD at the lower limbs compared to non-loading sports such as swimming.

Functional status improves in hypertensive older adults: the long-term effects of antihypertensive therapy combined with multicomponent exercise intervention.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of functionally-limited hypertensive individuals highlights the need for interventions to reduce the burden of hypertension-aging-disability and to maximize the chances of healthy aging. AIM: This study aims to compare the effects of multicomponent exercise and different pharmacological treatments on functional status and cardiovascular risk outcomes in hypertensive older adults with comorbidities. METHODS: Participants (n = 96) engage in a 3 days/week multicomponent (aerobic + resistance) exercise program and for one of the following three conditions: (1) thiazide-related diuretics (TDs; n = 33, 69.9 ± 9.5 years); (2) calcium channel blockers (CCBs; n = 23, 67.0 ± 9.0 years); (3) and ß-blockers (ßBs; n = 40, 65.6 ± 7.2 years) medication. Baseline and 2-year follow-up evaluations included the Senior Fitness Test battery, anthropometrics and hemodynamic profile, health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Short-Form Health Survey 36) and health history questionnaires. RESULTS: All groups have significantly improved the physical functional status; particularly upper and lower body strength and aerobic endurance and systolic blood pressure. The TDs and ßBs groups have diminished the waist circumference and body mass. The CCBs decreased total cholesterol (P = 0.028), perceived better physical functioning, physical component score but also augmented bodily pain (P < 0.05). The ßB group decreased triglycerides (P = 0.013). No group differences were found. CONCLUSION: Multicomponent exercise training has improved functional status regardless of the antihypertensive medication options. Hypertensive older adults should add exercise training to pharmacological antihypertensive therapy to reduce the rate of physical disability.

Antihypertensive monotherapy or combined therapy: which is more effective on functional status?

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the effects of anti-hypertensive monotherapy and combined therapy on functional status, and cardiovascular risk outcomes in older adults. METHODS: This longitudinal non-randomized cohort study, involved hypertensive older adults (n = 440) aged 60 or more years with comorbidities. Participants underwent a community exercise training program and one of the following 2 conditions: i) use of daily mono-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi; n= 232); ii) combined therapy including ACEi plus other class agent (Combined; n= 208). Baseline and 2-year follow-up evaluations included the functional fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health history questionnaires, anthropometric and hemodynamic profile. RESULTS: Both experimental groups have significantly improved physical functional status, and have significantly decreased blood pressure and waist circumference. ACEi group has significantly reduced body mass and body mass index, the Combined group significantly reduced the waist-to-hip ratio. Additionally, both groups perceived better physical HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Functional status has improved with ACEi medication and exercise training, regardless the ACEi medication therapy. Exercise training plus ACEi antihypertensive therapy should be recommended into the standard prescription practice to reduce the rate of physical disability among hypertensive older adults.

Developmental Changes in Isometric Strength: Longitudinal Study in Adolescent Soccer Players.

This study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in isometric strength of the knee extensors (ImKE) and knee flexors (ImKF) at 30° and 60°. The sample was composed of 67 players aged 11.0-13.9 years at baseline over five years. Stature, body mass, skinfolds, and isometric strength (ImKE30°, ImKF30°, ImKE60° and ImKF60°) were measured. Fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM) were derived from skinfolds. Skeletal age was obtained using TW2 RUS. Multilevel random effects regression analyses extracted developmental polynomial models. An annual increment on chronological age (CA) corresponded to 5.6 N (ImKE30°: ), 2.7 N (ImKF30°: ), 4.6 N (ImKE60°: ) and 1.5 N (ImKF60°). An increment of 1 kg in FFM predicted isometric strength as follows: 1.2 N (ImKE30°), 2.1 N (ImKF30°), 3.1 N (ImKE60°) and 2.0 N (ImKF60°). The following equations were obtained: ImKE30°=5.759×CA+1.163×FFM; ImKF30°=-19.369+2.691×CA+0.693×CA2+2.108×FFM; ImKE60°=4.553×CA+3.134×FFM; and, ImKF60°=-19.669+1.544×CA+2.033×FFM. Although skeletal maturity had a negligible effect on dependent variables, age and body size, based on FFM, were relevant longitudinal predictors. During adolescence, systematic assessment of knee extensors and knee flexors are strongly recommended to prevent impairment of knee muscle groups.

Multilevel modelling of longitudinal changes in isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength in adolescent soccer players.

The purpose of the study was to model the longitudinal development of knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) strength in adolescent soccer players. A mixed-longitudinal sample composed of 67 soccer players aged 11.0-13.9 years at baseline was followed on three-to-five occasions over 5 years. Stature, body mass and several skinfold thicknesses were measured. Fat mass was estimated from skinfolds and fat-free mass (FFM) derived. Skeletal age was estimated with the TW2-RUS protocol. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to obtain peak torque of KE and KF from concentric assessments at an angular velocity of 180°/s. Multilevel random effects regression analyses were performed. Among youth soccer players aged 11-16 years, isokinetic strength of the knee muscle groups was reasonably predicted from chronological age (CA), stature and FFM: KE = -66.170 + 5.353 × (CA) + 0.594 × (CA2) + 0.552 × (stature) + 1.414 × (FFM), and KF = -9.356 + 2.708 × (CA) + 1.552 × (FFM). In conclusion, CA per se accounted for annual increments of 5.4 Nm in KE and 2.7 Nm in KF.

Multivariate Relationships among Morphology, Fitness and Motor Coordination in Prepubertal Girls.

Motor coordination and physical fitness are multidimensional concepts which cannot be reduced to a single variable. This study evaluated multivariate relationships among morphology, physical fitness and motor coordination in 74 pre-pubertal girls 8.0-8.9 years of age. Data included body dimensions, eight fitness items and four motor coordination tasks (KTK battery). Maturity status was estimated as percentage of predicted mature stature attained at the time of observation. Canonical correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between multivariate domains. Significant pairs of linear functions between indicators of morphology and fitness (rc = 0.778, Wilks' Lambda = 0.175), and between fitness and motor coordination (rc = 0.765, Wilks' Lambda = 0.289) were identified. Girls who were lighter and had a lower waist-to-stature ratio and % fat mass attained better scores in the endurance run, sit-ups and standing long jump tests, but poorer performances in hand grip strength and 2-kg ball throw. Better fitness test scores were also associated with better motor coordination scores. Relationships between body size and estimated fatness with motor fitness suggested an inverse relationship that was particularly evident in performance items that required the displacement of the body through space, while motor coordination was more closely related with fitness than with somatic variables.

Waist-to-height ratio and its association with TV viewing in a sample of Portuguese children aged 7-9 years.

INTRODUCTION: During the past decades, increased TV viewing and reduced physical activity (PA) levels may have contributed to the increased prevalence of pediatric obesity. This study aimed to analyze the association between TV viewing and central adiposity risk in Portuguese children. METHODS: The sample comprised 3987 children (1997 girls and 1990 boys) aged 7-9 years. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated as the ratio of waist/height with a cut-off of 0.5 used to define risk of abdominal obesity. WHtR does not depend on sex- or age-specific reference criteria. TV viewing and PA were assessed by questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used, with adjustments for age, PA, and parental education. RESULTS: This study revealed a positive significant association between central adiposity risk and sedentary behaviors in Portuguese boys. In addition, the final model showed an important inverse association between PA and the risk of abdominal obesity in both boys and girls (males: ß = -0.01 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.00; females: ß = -0.01; 95% CI, 0.99-1.00). CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that associations between TV viewing and obesity risk could be highly influenced by socioeconomic factors. Future research should extend a similar design to children in other geographic contexts, and incorporate other behavioral variables in the statistical models, to confirm or not some of the aforementioned findings.

Comparison of Skillful vs. Less Skilled Young Soccer Players on Anthropometric, Maturation, Physical Fitness and Time of Practice.

This study compared maturation, body composition and physical fitness between youth soccer athletes with different technical skills levels. Sixty-two young athletes (11-17 years) were categorized dichotomously in more skilled (n=31) and less skilled (n=31) groups based on 3 specific technical tests (Dribbling Speed Test [DST], Shuttle Dribble Test [SDT] and Slalom Dribble Test [SLDT]). Chronological and skeletal age, time of practice, body composition and 4 physical fitness tests were performed for comparisons. As expected, the 3 technical tests were correlated (r=0.47-0.54, P<0.05). More skilled subjects in DST and SDT showed (respectively) higher time of practice (effect size [ES]=0.72 and 0.90), and greater performance sit-ups (ES=1.23 and 0.81), squat jump (ES=1.10 and 1.08), countermovement jump (ES=1.11 and 1.10), and Yo-Yo test (ES=1.17 and 1.40) compared to the less skilled subjects (P<0.05). However, more skilled subjects in SLDT showed greater performance (P<0.05) only in the squat jump (ES=0.67) and Yo-Yo tests (ES=0.83). The results suggest that technical performance is associated with greater time of practice and some physical capabilities. Moreover, the DST and SDT tests seem to be good options to discriminate technical performance in youth soccer athletes.