Influence of Maturity Status on Kinanthropometric and Physical Fitness Variables in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze differences in kinanthropometric characteristics and physical performance in relation to maturity status, as well as to determine if age, maturity offset or kinanthropometric variables could predict better performance in physical fitness tests. A total of 152 female volleyball players (14.16 ± 1.25 years old) underwent a kinanthropometric assessment, followed by a physical fitness assessment composed of different tests. The age at peak height velocity (APHV) was calculated, and the sample was divided according to biological maturation into three groups. Significant differences were observed in kinanthropometric variables (p < 0.001–0.026), with early maturers showing higher values. Age, body mass, Cormic index, relative arm span, ∑8 skinfolds, fat mass, corrected arm and thigh girths, muscle mass and biacromial and biiliocristal breadths were the variables that best predicted performance in the physical tests (p < 0.001–0.024). The more mature players showed higher values in most of the kinanthropometric variables, with the more remarkable differences being in body mass, height, arm span and sitting height, and those related to adiposity and absolute body composition, and with structural variables being the most influential on the physical tests. Age had a determinant influence on the differences found between groups in strength and power-related test performance.