The improvement in maximal anaerobic power from soccer player during growth

Purpose - The aim of the study was to assess the improvement in Maximal Anaerobic Power (PMAna) from two tests in soccer players during growth. Methods - The experiment was carried out in 328 players, 11-18 years old, during their stay at the Clairefontaine National Soccer Center. PMAna was measured from the last 10 meters of the a 40 m-sprint test (ST) and a jump test (JT). The skeletal age (AO) is used as reference, and not the chronological one. Results - The results of the two tests are highly correlated (r = 0.8-0.9), PMAna values being always higher in the ST than in the JT The most significant increase in PMAna occurs between 13 and 14 years AO (+47% for the ST +27% for the JT), remains still significant up to 16 AO (respectively +38% and +24% between 14 and 16 AO), but the maximum value is reached at 17 AO. Between 12 and 16 AO, the PMAna value is multiplied by 2.29 for the ST and 1.81 for the JT Conclusions - Sprint and jump tests seem well adapted to estimate PMAna in soccer players. The measure of the skeletal age during growth is needed for a better interpretation of the results. In addition, results obtained during growth allow a reliable estimation of PMAna in adulthood. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.