Maturity-associated considerations for training load, injury risk, and physical performance in youth soccer: One size does not fit all

Towlson, Chris; Salter, Jamie; Ade, Jack D; Enright, Kevin; Harper, Liam D; Page, Richard M.; Malone, James J

Abstract

Biological maturation can be defined as the timing and tempo of progress to achieving a mature state. The estimation of age of peak height velocity (PHV) or percentage of final estimated adult stature attainment (%EASA) is typically used to inform the training process in young athletes. In youth soccer, maturity-related changes in anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics are diverse among individuals, particularly around PHV. During this time, players are also at an increased risk of sustaining an overuse or growth-related injury. As a result, the implementation of training interventions can be challenging. The purpose of this review was to (1) highlight and discuss many of the methods that can be used to estimate maturation in the applied setting and (2) discuss the implications of manipulating training load around PHV on physical development and injury risk. We have provided key stakeholders with a practical online tool for estimating player maturation status (Supplementary Maturity Estimation Tools). Whilst estimating maturity using predictive equations is useful in guiding the training process, practitioners should be aware of its limitations. To increase the accuracy and usefulness of data, it is also vital that sports scientists implement reliable testing protocols at predetermined time-points.

Citation

Towlson, C., Salter, J., Ade, J. D., Enright, K., Harper, L. D., Page, R. M., & Malone, J. J. (in press). Maturity-associated considerations for training load, injury risk, and physical performance in youth soccer: One size does not fit all. Journal of Sport and Health Science, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.09.003

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Aug 7, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Sep 19, 2020
• Deposit Date: Oct 24, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 26, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Sport and Health Science
• Print ISSN: 2095-2546
• Electronic ISSN: 2213-2961
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.09.003
• Keywords: Growth; Injury; Maturation; Soccer; Training
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3606250
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254620301198?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article comes attached with a maturity estimation tool for readers to use and implement within their practice.