Reference Normative Values For Aspects Of Skill-Related Physical Fitness In Active Children And Adolescents

Normative reference values are commonly utilized to assess, evaluate and classify youth based on normal growth and maturation. There is currently a lack of normative values for measurements of skill-related physical fitness such as; muscular power, speed and agility, commonly tested in youth athletes. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to establish age- and sex-specific normative reference values for several aspects of skill-related physical fitness in physically active children and adolescents. The secondary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the various components of skill-related fitness; as well as, the relationship between anthropometric variables and skill-related physical fitness. METHODS: A sample of 209 physically active youth (136 boys and 73 girls) age 12-17 years completed a battery of skill-related physical fitness assessments prior to engaging in a structured training program at a sports performance center. Muscular power was assessed by standing long jump and vertical jump. Agility was assessed with a 4-square agility plyometric test and the pro-agility test. Maximal sprint speed as assessed on a high speed treadmill (10 second run at 15% grade). Age- and sex- specific percentile values were calculated using IBM SPSS statistics version 20. RESULTS: Overall, boys showed better results in all measures of fitness when compared to girls, across all age groups. Older age groups generally had better performance measures compared to the younger peers with each progressing age group. There was a significant correlation between all measures of fitness, with the exception of vertical jump and 4-Square agility. Body mass and BMI had a negative correlation between all fitness measures. Showing an inhibiting effect on skill-related physical fitness. CONCLUSION: Age- and sex- specific normative values have been established for a set of skill-related physical fitness tests for physically active youth. The reported normative values provide opportunities to further evaluate and classify physically active youth. This data is especially important for sport enhancement specialists working with active youth and utilize similar fitness tests analyzed in the present study