Developing adequate musculoskeletal fitness (MSF) components, such as cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance and strength, has demonstrated particular benefits in enhancing physical activity across the lifespan. At the same time, extensive participation in sports during adolescence, especially high-demand ones and those requiring high functional motor competencies, may promote healthy lifestyle choices throughout one’s life. Waterpolo (WP) is a high-demanding sport with a significant growth in youth participation in the last years. Previous studies on WP pointed out the relevance of anthropometric characteristics in explaining some performance aspects of youth players whilst controlling for age. Nevertheless, there is a research gap in understanding how sex and years of training are associated with MSF components in young practising WP. This study investigated the impact of sex and years of training on youth WP athletes. A convenient sample of forty-six athletes (females: 43%; mean age: 13.06, SD: 2.06; mean years of training: 4.04, SD:2.44) participated in a quasi-experimental study. Indicators of MSF (handgrip, PACER, long jump, and plank) were measured. Allometric normalization was also performed by using body mass and appropriate force-specific allometric parameters for handgrip, long jump, and plank. ANCOVA main effect statistics, adjusted mean difference (AMD), and Cohen’s d measure, as the effect size of contrasts (ES), were used to explain how sex influences MSF measures whilst controlling for years of training. Significant between-sex differences were found for PACER, handgrip, and long jump measures. Males obtained significantly better measures than females, even when controlled for years of training: PACER: AMD = 14.21 laps, ES = 1.0; handgrip: AMD = 6.09 kg, ES = .66; long jump: AMD = 21.61 cm, ES = 1.08. AMD of normalized measures was large for the handgrip (ES = .80) and moderate for the long jump (ES = .72). Our findings emphasize the importance of sex and years of training when evaluating MSF indicators. Accordingly, coaches and practitioners could consider these elements while defining their training plan to support talent identification and promote lifelong sports participation.
Understanding the impact of sex and year of training on musculoskeletal fitness components in youth water polo players
Francesco Sgro'
;Mario Lipoma;Michele Barca;Antonella Maria Vittoria Quinto;
2024-01-01
Abstract
Developing adequate musculoskeletal fitness (MSF) components, such as cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance and strength, has demonstrated particular benefits in enhancing physical activity across the lifespan. At the same time, extensive participation in sports during adolescence, especially high-demand ones and those requiring high functional motor competencies, may promote healthy lifestyle choices throughout one’s life. Waterpolo (WP) is a high-demanding sport with a significant growth in youth participation in the last years. Previous studies on WP pointed out the relevance of anthropometric characteristics in explaining some performance aspects of youth players whilst controlling for age. Nevertheless, there is a research gap in understanding how sex and years of training are associated with MSF components in young practising WP. This study investigated the impact of sex and years of training on youth WP athletes. A convenient sample of forty-six athletes (females: 43%; mean age: 13.06, SD: 2.06; mean years of training: 4.04, SD:2.44) participated in a quasi-experimental study. Indicators of MSF (handgrip, PACER, long jump, and plank) were measured. Allometric normalization was also performed by using body mass and appropriate force-specific allometric parameters for handgrip, long jump, and plank. ANCOVA main effect statistics, adjusted mean difference (AMD), and Cohen’s d measure, as the effect size of contrasts (ES), were used to explain how sex influences MSF measures whilst controlling for years of training. Significant between-sex differences were found for PACER, handgrip, and long jump measures. Males obtained significantly better measures than females, even when controlled for years of training: PACER: AMD = 14.21 laps, ES = 1.0; handgrip: AMD = 6.09 kg, ES = .66; long jump: AMD = 21.61 cm, ES = 1.08. AMD of normalized measures was large for the handgrip (ES = .80) and moderate for the long jump (ES = .72). Our findings emphasize the importance of sex and years of training when evaluating MSF indicators. Accordingly, coaches and practitioners could consider these elements while defining their training plan to support talent identification and promote lifelong sports participation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
