Association between peak growth rate and strength development in Brazilian adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in strength, body composition and aerobic capacity during different peak growth rate (PGR) periods in adolescent handball players from Brazil. Methods: Twenty-five male adolescents between 13 and 15 years old performed a strength-training program for 8 weeks. The body fat percentage was estimated using the equation of Slaughter et al. (Human Biology, 1988; 60;709-23), and the PGR according to the procedure described by Mirwald et al. (MSSE, 2002;34:689-94) and classified as 1= late, 2= normal, and 3= early developmental stages. The 1RM tests included leg press at 45° and bench press for upper- and lower-body strength, respectively. ANOVA (2 x 3) and Tukey’s post-hoc were computed to determine differences between periods of PGR and strength and aerobic capacity. Results: Significant changes in VO2max (Δ% 1= 2.9 vs. 3= 3.8, p < 0.05) were found between the PGV groups following the strength-training program. Upper-body strength increased 26.3% in the PGV group 1 (p < 0.05). No significant changes in body composition were found following the strength-training program. Conclusions: Increased aerobic power and upper-body strength were found during maturation in adolescent male Brazilian handball players.