Sex and maturity modulate the link between sprint mechanics and multidirectional speed

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

This study aimed to (I) evaluate the influence of maturity and sex on the horizontal force-velocity (F-V) profile and multidirectional speed performance in youth basketball players and (II) analyze the sex- and maturity-specific associations of the mechanical variables derived from the horizontal FV profile with curvilinear sprint (CS) and change of direction (COD) performance. Ninety-nine youth basketball players from an elite academy were classified into two maturational groups based on their estimated years from peak height velocity (PHV) (mid-PHV and post-PHV). A cross-sectional design was implemented to compare the mechanical variables of the F-V profile (theorical maximal force (F0) and velocity (V0), maximal power output (Pmax) and ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (RFpeak) across maturation and between sexes. These variables were also analyzed in relation to CS and COD performance. Post-PHV group exhibited significantly greater horizontal FV profile parameters (ES from 0.70 to 2.06), and faster CS and COD performances (ES from 0.29 to 2.49), compared to mid-PHV group in both sexes. Additionally, V0, Pmax and RFpeak were moderately to largely associated (rrange from 0.41 to 0.81) with faster CS and COD performance in both mid- and post- PHV men players. These findings highlight the relevance of considering individual FV profiles to monitor performance and better understand multidirectional speed across maturation.