The Influence of Maturity Offset, Strength, and Movement Competency on Motor Skill Performance in Adolescent Males

This study aimed to examine the extent to which maturity offset, strength, and movement competency influences motor skill performance in adolescent boys. One hundred and eight secondary school boys completed anthropometric and physical testing on two non-consecutive days for the following variables: maturity offset, isometric mid-thigh pull absolute (IMTPABS) and relative (IMTPREL) peak force, resistance training skills quotient, 10-, 20- and 30-meter sprint time, countermovement jump height, horizontal jump distance, anaerobic endurance performance, and seated medicine ball throw (SMBT). The IMTPREL displayed significant small to large correlations with all performance variables (r = 0.27-0.61) whereas maturity offset was significantly correlated with IMTPABS (r = 0.69), sprint (r = 0.29-0.33), jump (r = 0.23-0.34), and SMBT (r = 0.32). Absolute and relative strength were the strongest predictors of all performance variables and combined with maturity to explain 21-76% of the variance. Low and average relative strength boys were nearly eight times (odds ratio: 7.80, confidence interval: 1.48-41.12, p < 0.05) and nearly four times (odds ratio: 3.86, confidence interval: 0.95-15.59, p < 0.05) more likely to be classified as lower competency compared to high relative strength boys. Relative strength has more influence on motor skill performance than maturity when compared with movement competency

Effects of combined resistance training and weightlifting on injury risk factors and resistance training skill of adolescent males

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training with or without weightlifting on risk factors for injury and resistance training skill in circa-peak height velocity boys. Sixty-seven boys (age 12-14 years) from a local secondary school were divided into three groups: combined resistance training (CRT), combined resistance training with weightlifting movements (CRT&WL), or a control group (CON). Experimental groups completed twice-weekly training programs over the course of an academic year. The tuck jump assessment, asymmetry measures for single-leg horizontal jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and the Star Excursion Balance Test, and resistance training skill were measured pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Only the CRT group significantly improved tuck jump assessment score pre- to post-test (p = 0.006, -20.4%, d = -0.39) but there were no clear effects on asymmetry measures for any group. Both groups significantly improved resistance training skill from pre- to post-test (CRT&WL: p = 0.002, 17.6%, d = 1.00; CRT: p = 0.026, 9.2%, d = 0.53). This study suggests that a school-based CRT program may provide significant improvements in jump landing kinematics, whereas the inclusion of weightlifting movements may provide greater improvements in resistance training skill