Purpose
While differences in physical performance between boys and girls are negligible prior to puberty, the magnitude of growth is greater in boys which leads to considerably greater physical development. However, there is an absence of studies that include girls, and even fewer directly comparing the development of boys and girls. External training load have also not been quantified in adolescent girls, and few studies have explored the change in loading patterns during these years. It is vital for coaches to understand these developmental trends throughout an athlete’s growth to better inform training and optimize progression.
The purpose of this research project is to study longitudinal development in physical performance in youth team sport athletes, and quantify external training load patterns. We will be looking at differences between boys and girls at different ages, and influence from growth and maturation, and training load.
Project description
We will follow a group of 13, 15, 17 year old football and handball players over a two-year period. Yearly testing will be conducted and include: height, body mass, seated height, sprint, change of direction, vertical jump, keiser leg press, Nordic hamstring, hip add- and abduction, shoulder rotation, and endurance. During this period we will also periodically monitor external training load.
