Modified Agility Test Research Articles

Effect of Training Model on the Physical Condition of Young Female Football Players

The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of two training models—the traditional methodology and an alternative or nonlinear mixed methodology—on coordination, speed, and changes of direction (COD) in U-12 football players. The subjects were divided into two groups: a traditional group of 11 female players and a second group of 14 female players, which followed a mixed methodology. Ten training sessions of 30 min were carried out focusing on motor coordination and COD. The variables analyzed were motor coordination with the SportComp test, COD with the Modified Agility test, and the Suttle Sprint and Dribbling test, with and without the ball, and speed over 30 m, with and without the ball. Overall, improvements were obtained in the mixed training program, leading to significant improvements (p < .05) in the variables of motor coordination, speed, and COD, with a large effect size. Therefore, coaches and physical trainers, taking into account that it causes greater benefits in the physical condition of female football players in training, than the traditional training program, can use the mixed training program.

Evaluating the Validity of Tests to Predict Sprint and Change of Direction Speed in Para-Athletes With Brain Impairments.

Maximum running speed is a performance determinant in para-athletics and cerebral palsy football. Sixty international para-athletes with brain impairments completed five activity-limitation tests (standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, 10-m speed skip, and running in place) and two criterion tests (40-m sprint and modified agility test). The same three tests (standing broad jump, four boundsfor distance, and 10-m speed skip) that correlated with running performance in nondisabled runners (.67 < r < -.82; p < .05; 75% of variance) also correlated in para-athletes with brain impairments (.41 < r < -.62; p < .01; 55% of variance). Standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, and running in place also correlated with change-of-direction speed (.43 < r < -.63; p < .01; 58% of variance). Results indicate that methods of classification for para-athletics with nondisabled runners are also valid with para-athletes with brain impairments, and new sport-specific relationships were found for assessing the performance of rapid and short sprints toward different directions, specific of a team para-sport like cerebral palsy football.

Effects of a Six-Week International Tour on the Physical Performance and Body Composition of Young Chilean Tennis Players.

In tennis, it is common for young male tennis players to spend several weeks away from their local training camps during the competition season, which could affect their performance. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of a six-week international tour on physical performance and body composition in young Chilean tennis players. Twenty-four men between the ages of 14 and 16 participated in this research. In body composition and anthropometric measurement, body weight, height, skinfolds, and perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. For physical performance, 5-m and 10-m sprints, modified agility test (MAT test), countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT) were evaluated. Results show that, in body composition, BFP and SMM significantly decreased post-tour (p &lt; 0.05; effect sizes ranging from 0.23 to 0.33, respectively). In physical performance, agility and 5-m and 10-m sprints significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05, effect sizes ranging from -0.63 to 1.10). We conclude that after a six-week international tour, BFP, SMM, agility, and speed (linear sprint) tend to decrease significantly, with a greater effect in the sprint tests.

Effects of Walking Football During Ramadan Fasting on Heart Rate Variability and Physical Fitness in Healthy Middle-Aged Males.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a walking football (WF) program during Ramadan fasting (RF) on heart rate variability (HRV) indices, body composition, and physical fitness in middle-aged males. Thirty-one healthy sedentary men were randomized to WF (n = 18) and control (n = 13) groups. Both groups participated in RF. The WF group were involved in a training program (small-sided games) of three sessions a week during RF. The time and frequency domains of HRV, body composition, handgrip, lumbar strength, Modified Agility Test (MAT), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were measured before Ramadan (BR), during Ramadan (DR), and after Ramadan (AR). We reported that RF has significantly altered some parameters of HRV DR; the mean HR decreased while the mean RR, LF, and HF increased. WF had a significant effect on HRV and mean HR DR compared with BR and AR decreased while mean RR, HF and LF increased. DR, body mass decreased in both groups, while body mass index (BMI) decreased and lean mass increased only in WF group. Lower body mass and BMI levels were reported AR only in WF group. Physical capacity improved AR, compared with BR, only in the WF group with longer distance in 6MWT, shorter time(s) in MAT, and higher lumbar strength levels. We conclude that RF increases parasympathetic system activity. WF practice during RF is safe and might improve body composition, physical fitness, autonomic cardiac function, and physical fitness in middle-aged males.

Anthropometric Characterization and Physical Performance by Age and Biological Maturation in Young Tennis Players

The objective was to analyze anthropometric and physical performance variables as a function of chronological age and biological maturity in young Chilean tennis players. The study was observational, cross-sectional, with descriptive and analytical characteristics. Eighty-seven tennis players were evaluated (58 men 15.1 ± 0.8 years and 29 women, 15.3 ± 0.8 years). The measured anthropometric variables were a sprint test of 20m; a modified agility test; a sit-and-reach test and shoulder flexibility; manual grip strength; horizontal jump in feet; a medicine ball throw; a countermovement vertical jump; an abalakov vertical jump and a 20-m shuttle-run test. The growth velocity acceleration peak (APHV), skeletal muscle mass and fat mass were calculated, R2 and standard error of estimate (SEE) were examined. The results show that chronological age explained the anthropometric variables between 1 and 23% in men and 1 and 29% in women; by biological age, variables were explained between 3 and 53% in men and 2 and 42% in women. Of the physical performance variables, chronological age described between 2 and 24% of them in men and 1 and 29% in women; the same were explained by biological age between 1 and 19% in men and 1 and 26% in women. We conclude that anthropometric variables showed a better relationship with biological age, except for volume of fat tissue, while physical performance variables showed low association with both biological and chronological age.

Physical Fitness Profiling of National Category Table Tennis Players: Implication for Health and Performance

The aims of this study were to: (1) analyze table tennis players’ physical profiles considering and comparing players age categories (i.e., under U12, U14, U16, U20, Senior and Older); and (2) to quantify the correlations among the variables measured by each test. Seventy-one table tennis players (61 men and 10 women, 19.7 ± 11.23 years, 1.65 ± 0.13 m, 59.71 ± 17.72 kg and 21.60 ± 4.22 kg/m2) divided into six age groups, performed a sprint test, forearm isometric strength test, countermovement vertical test, countermovement horizontal test, change of direction ability (CODA) test and flexibility test. U14 players performed better than U12 in all tests (ES = −0.70 to 1.98, moderate to large) except in Sit and Reach (SAR) test (ES = 0.19, trivial). The U16 group also obtained better results than U14 in all tests (ES = 0.77 to −2.31, moderate to large) except for the SAR test (ES = 0.19, trivial). The U20 group performed better than U16 in all the tests (ES = 0.73 to −1.53, moderate to large) except for the 5 m sprint test (ES = −0.02, trivial), 10 m sprint test (ES = −0.51, moderate) and SAR (ES = 0.11, trivial). Differences between Senior and U20 were only found in the arm swing counter movement jump (CMJAS) (ES = −0.82, large) and modified agility test (MAT) (ES = 1.19, large), with the U20 group being better in both variables. The senior group performed better in the MAT test than the older group (ES = 0.94, large). The relation found between forearm isometric strength, vertical jump, horizontal jump, sprint and CODA ability (r = −0.53; ±0.14, 0/0/100, most likely to r = 0.83; ±0.06, 100/0/0, most likely) indicates that these capacities are related in table tennis players. Nevertheless, the lack of association between the sit and reach test with the other capacities may indicate that flexibility is an independent capacity.

Changes in selected locomotor skills of young runners after one athletic season: Influence of sex and age

The aim of the present research was to describe the changes in the locomotor competence [i.e. sprint, change of direction ability (CODA) and jump capacity] of young runners from an athletic training school after one season, according to runners’ sex and age. Two hundred and forty-one young runners from an athletic training school were divided by sex (boys, n = 107, and girls, n = 134) and age [under 8 years old (U8, n = 70), under 10 years old (U10, n = 68), under 12 years old (U12, n = 45), under 14 years old (U14, n = 39) and under 16 years old (U16, n = 19)]. At the start of the training season (PRE) and at the end of the season (POST), the runners performed different tests in order to assess their locomotor competence. The results showed that boys and girls improved their performance during the season in the 5 m sprint ( p = 0.000, ES = -0.58 to -0.74) and horizontal countermovement jump (HCMJ) ( p = 0.000, ES = 0.51 to 1.02), and decreased it in the 15 m sprint test ( p = 0.011 or p = 0.006, ES = 0.27 to 0.31), and only girls improved in change of direction ability (CODA) ( p = 0.000, ES = -0.22 to -0.27). In addition, with respect to age categories, all groups improved their performance in the HCMJ ( p = 0.000 - 0.005, ES &gt; 0.40) and the 5 m sprint tests ( p = 0.000 - 0.002, ES = -0.68 to -1.24). Although in the 505 test no group improved its result ( p = 0.184 - 0.314, ES = -0.25 to 0.01), the U8 and U10 groups improved in the modified agility test (MAT) ( p = 0.000 or p = 0.003, ES = -0.38 to -0.41). In conclusion, there are differences in the changes in the locomotor competence according to runners’ sex and age, so perhaps age- and sex-dependent specialization in training is necessary.

Change-of-Direction Ability of Para-Footballers With Cerebral Palsy Under a New Evidence-Based and Sport-Specific Classification System.

This study aimed (1)to explore the validity and reliability of a new and specific change-of-direction (COD) test that requires dribbling skills to classify international footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) and compare it with another valid and reliable COD test without ball dribbling and (2)to probe whether both tests can discriminate between the new CP football classes (ie,FT1, FT2, and FT3) established worldwide in 2018. This study involved 180 international para-footballers with CP from 23 national teams at the 3 regional competitions held in 2018. They performed 2 COD tests, the modified agility test (no dribbling skills) and the dribbling speed test (DST). Reliability was excellent for both the modified agility test (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]2,1 = .91, SEM = 5.75%) and the DST (ICC2,1 = .92, SEM = 4.66%). The modified agility test and DST results were highly to very highly correlated to one another for the whole group and considering the sport classes (r = .60-.80; P < .001). A 1-way analysis of variance showed significant differences between sport classes in both tests (P < .001). However, among classes, there were significant differences between FT1 and FT2 and FT3 (P < .01, effect size = large) and low to moderate effect sizes between FT2 and FT3 for either test. The DST appears to be valid and reliable to classify CP football players within the new classification system. Regression analysis revealed that 18.2% of the variance in the new sport classes could be explained by the 2 examined tests.

Assessing Change of Direction Ability in a Spanish Elite Soccer Academy.

The aims of the study were: a) to analyze the reproducibility of the Modified Agility Test (MAT) according to two types of displacement (i.e. constrained [MATtop] vs. free [MATfree]), b) to examine the explanatory capacity of anthropometric characteristics and neuromuscular performance on the ability to change the direction (CODA), c) to look into the practical consequences of the types of displacement from the perspective of an elite soccer academy. 118 male soccer players (age: 16 (13-25) years old) from the same elite Spanish soccer academy (U13 to senior) were tested twice on two versions of the MAT (MATtop and MATfree), with 48 hours between testing sessions. Moreover, they were tested on linear-sprint performance, over 5 m (S5m) and 15 m (S15m), and the vertical jump (VJ) (countermovement jump with [ACMJ] and without an arm swing [CMJ]). The main findings were: a) the type of displacement did not affect the reliability of the CODA test; b) weight, S15m, ACMJ and CMJ variables explained close to 60% of CODA performance; c) MATtop (i.e. constrained displacement) and MATfree (i.e. free-displacement) CODA tests could show different profiles of development along the age groups; and d) the impact of the task’s constraints was relatively higher in U16 and U17 groups. CODA seems to have a variable meaning depending on the characteristics of the test and the age of the participants.

Influence of the playing surface on changes of direction and plantar pressures during an agility test in youth futsal players

The ability to effect a change of direction (COD) when performing high-speed actions is essential in team sports like futsal. Nevertheless, the interaction effect of sports surfaces on this ability remains unknown. This research aimed to analyse the plantar pressures and time performance of 15 youth futsal players when performing CODs on two playing surfaces with different mechanical properties. The shock absorption and vertical deformation of one synthetic flooring surface and one wooden flooring surface were assessed. CODs were evaluated using a modified version of the Agility T-Test, while total time of the test, time of CODs, and plantar pressure in CODs were all recorded. The wooden flooring surface displayed higher values of shock absorption (35.70% ± 2.87%) and vertical deformation (2.77 ± 0.38 mm) compared with the synthetic flooring (p < 0.01). Faster CODs were performed on the wooden flooring than on the synthetic flooring (−0.05 s, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.10 to −0.007, effect size [ES]: 0.07, p < 0.05), but no differences in total test time were found (p > 0.05). Finally, no differences in plantar pressures by playing surface were found. In sum, the differences in the mechanical properties of the two futsal surfaces affected the performance of futsal players in the modified agility test. However, these differences were not great enough to generate different plantar pressures on players, probably due to playerś own adaptations.

Motor skills differences by gender in early elementary education students

ABSTRACT The aims of the present study were to analyse the gender differences in balance, catching, aiming and change of direction ability (CODA) in elementary education students and to determine the relationship among these motor skills. Balance, catching, aiming and CODA were assessed in 197 elementary education students (6–8). Girls presented higher values in static and dynamic balance tests. However, boys obtained better results in the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) aiming test and in the Modified Agility Test (MAT). It also seems that the age affects the gender difference, as gender differences in CODA did not appear until older ages (>7 years). Moreover, the results showed a significant moderate correlation between some tests. Gender could be a differentiating factor in the motor competence of elementary education students. The moderate associations found among different skills showed that, despite they are considered as independent, there is as association between them.

Sprinting, Change of Direction Ability and Horizontal Jump Performance in Youth Runners According to Gender.

The purpose of the study was to assess straight sprinting, change of direction ability and horizontal jump performance in youth runners according to age and gender. Two hundred and fifty-five youth runners (116 boys and 139 girls) participated in this study. The athletes were divided according to their age into five groups: under 8 yr (U8), under 10 yr (U10), under 12 yr (U12), under 14 yr (U14) and under 16 yr (U16). Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between U8 and U10 in the 5 m sprint (d = 1.22), 505 agility test (505, d = 0.96), modified agility test (MAT, d = 1.43), horizontal countermovement jump (HCMJ, d = 1.06) and arm swing HCMJ (HCMJAS, d = 1.44); between U10 and U12 in the 505 (d = 0.39), MAT (d = 0.74), HCMJ (d = 0.96) and HCMJAS (d = 0.75); and between U12 and U14 in 5 m (d = 0.84), HCMJ (d = 0.88) and HCMJAS (d = 0.79). However, no significant differences (p > 0.05, d = 0.29-1.17) between U14 and U16 were observed in any of the tests. With regard to age and gender, in U8 and U10 groups there were no significant differences (p > 0.05, d = 0.02-0.76) between boys and girls in any test. However, in U12 and U14 groups, significant gender differences (p < 0.05, d = 0.85-1.24) were found in the MAT. Likewise, the boys obtained better results than girls in the horizontal jump tests (p < 0.05, d = 1.01-1.26). After the classification by age, some differences were observed between both genders, depending on the fitness variable evaluated.

Short-Term Effects of Combined High-Intensity Strength and Sprint Interval Training on Anthropometric Characteristics and Physical Performance of Elite Team Handball Players.

Muscular strength and speed are critical physical factors in determining the technical and tactical skills of elite team handball players. This study thus investigated the effect of high-intensity muscular strength and sprint interval training (SIT) on lower limb explosive performance and anthropometric characteristics in 22 male handball athletes aged 20.2 ± 0.1 years. A training group (TG, n = 12) and a control group (CG, n = 10) were followed over 8 weeks parallel to regular handball training. The TG received combined additional high-intensity muscular strength and interval training twice per week during this period. The muscular training was comprised of 3 - 4 sets of 70 - 85 % of 1-RM (repetition maximum) of dynamic back half squat exercise; followed immediately by a short sprint program with 4, 5, and 6 maximal intensity repetitions of 30 m runs. Strength (1-RM of the half back-squat and bench press), first step (V1S), first 5 m (V5 m), squat jumps (SJ), counter movement jumps (CMJ) and the Modified Agility Test (MAT) were tested at the beginning and end of the study. Significant interaction effects (group × time) were observed for all parameters (η² range: 0.531 (MAT) to 0.829 (First 5 m)). All 10 parameters showed relevant intervention effects (d> 0.5) in the TG (highest intervention effect: CMJ: d = 4.05), the mean effect size being d = 1.85. In contrast, scores for the CG either remained unchanged or decreased (d = -0.24). We conclude that combined high-intensity strength and sprint interval training during the competitive season should be recommended to elite male handball players as a means of improving handball-related performance characteristics without compromising other critical aspects of the individual's performance.

DETERMINATION OF FEMALE TABLE TENNIS SPORT PERFORMANCE BY SENZOR MOTORIC REACTION TIME

In the sport performance structure of table tennis is sensor motor reaction time one of the most important factors for reaching top-level results, both in males and females groups. In this research we watched 23 female table tennis players from Slovakia; 9 mini cadets (12-13 years), 6 cadets (14-15 years) and 8 juniors (16-18 years). Girls were tested by modified agility test for table tennis players (Vacenovsky &amp; Vencurik, 2013) with machine FITRO Agility check. Thus we gained their sensor motor reaction times. By Mann-Whitney U-test we studied differences between age categories, upper and lower extremities, dominant (forehand) and un-dominant (backhand) side, right and left-handed players. We used significance level p&lt;0.05. In our research we did not confirm expected results that the older groups have shorter sensor motor reaction time. We also expected shorter reaction time of upper extremities comparing lower extremities; this was confirmed, though there was found statistical significant difference only in juniors group. Groups of mini-cadets and cadets have better (shorter) sensor motor reaction time from backhand side, while group of junior is better from forehand side. We also confirmed that left-handed players have slightly shorter reaction time.

Specificity of jumping, acceleration and quick change of direction motor abilities in soccer players

The purpose of this study was to determine the underlying structure of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) jumping, acceleration and change-of-direction (COD) abilities in soccer players using principal component factor analysis (PCA). Based on the results of recent studies on male college athletes, we hypothesized that slow SSC jumping, acceleration and COD represent independent motor abilities in soccer players. Forty two soccer players (23.2±2.36 yr) performed three tests for each group of rapid lower-body movements: a) three vertical slow SSC jumping tests ‒ squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and arm swing countermovement jump (CMJAS), b) three acceleration tests ‒ 5, 10 and 15 meter sprint times (ACC5, ACC10 and ACC15), and c) three COD tests ‒ modified agility test free (MATF), the 505 agility test (505) and 20 yard agility test (Y20). PCA was applied to establish the relationships among the factors (i.e. motor abilities) underlying the included manifest variables (i.e. performance tests). This procedure reduced all variables to a smaller number of independent latent dimensions. The results indicated three separate factors that may correspond to slow SSC jumping, acceleration and COD abilities. The magnitude of the correlation coefficients among the three motor abilities extracted was r&amp;lt;.56. Therefore, it is suggested that slow SSC jumping, acceleration and COD abilities represent independent motor abilities and consequently these should be trained and evaluated separately to assess soccer players’ physical profiles.

Examining age and gender effects in physical performance in young athletes aged 12–16 years

The aims of the present study were to determine anthropometric and physical characteristics according to age and gender of young athletes, and to quantify the relationships among these characteristics. Sixty-four young high-level runners were divided into two groups according to their age: U14 = under 14 year’s athletes; U16 = under 16 year’s athletes. The U16 group presented higher values of the sprint 15 m (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.14) and modified agility test (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.66) than the U14 group. However, the boys group presented higher values in the 505 agility test (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.63), modified agility test (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.26), horizontal countermovement jump (p &lt; 0.05, d = 0.56), vertical countermovement jump (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.61) and arm swim vertical countermovement jump (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.63) than the girls group.

Relación entre la capacidad de aceleración, cambio de dirección y salto horizontal en atletas jóvenes

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación existente entre la capacidad de aceleración en línea recta, la capacidad de cambiar de dirección (CODA) y la capacidad de salto horizontal (SH) en jóvenes atletas. En este estudio participaron un total de 264 jóvenes atletas de entre 8 y 16 años (10,2 ± 2,6 años; 37,5 ± 11,7 kg; 1,4 ± 0,1 m, 17,7 ± 2,4 kg·m-2). Se evaluó la capacidad de aceleración en línea recta en los test de 5 y 15 m, la CODA en el test 505 (505) y en el modified agility test (MAT) y la capacidad de SH con contra movimiento (HCMJ) y manos libres (HCMJAS). La asociación entre la capacidad de aceleración en 5 m y los test de CODA (505: r = 0,54, p &lt; 0,01 y MAT: r = 0,62, p &lt; 0,01) o salto horizontal (HCMJ: r = -0,64, p &lt; 0,01 y HCMJAS: r = -0,67, p &gt; 0,05) fue más consistente que la asociación entre la aceleración en 15 m y los test de CODA o SH. La asociación entre el test MAT y el SH (HCMJ: r = -0,73, p &lt; 0,01 y HCMJAS: r = -0,74, p &lt; 0,01) fue mayor que la relación observada entre el 505 y el HCMJ (r = -0,63, p &lt; 0,01) o el HCMJAS (r = -0,61, p &lt; 0,01). El tipo, la duración y la naturaleza de los test de campo utilizados, condicionan las asociaciones observadas entre las distintas habilidades motoras.

Change of direction ability test differentiates higher level and lower level soccer referees.

This report examines the agility and level of acceleration capacity of Spanish soccer referees and investigates the possible differences between field referees of different categories. The speed test consisted of 3 maximum acceleration stretches of 15 metres. The change of direction ability (CODA) test used in this study was a modification of the Modified Agility Test (MAT). The study included a sample of 41 Spanish soccer field referees from the Navarre Committee of Soccer Referees divided into two groups: i) the higher level group (G1, n = 20): 2ndA, 2ndB and 3rd division referees from the Spanish National Soccer League (28.43 ± 1.39 years); and ii) the lower level group (G2, n = 21): Navarre Provincial League soccer referees (29.54 ± 1.87 years). Significant differences were found with respect to the CODA between G1 (5.72 ± 0.13 s) and G2 (6.06 ± 0.30 s), while no differences were encountered between groups in acceleration ability. No significant correlations were obtained in G1 between agility and the capacity to accelerate. Significant correlations were found between sprint and agility times in the G2 and in the total group. The results of this study showed that agility can be used as a discriminating factor for differentiating between national and regional field referees; however, no observable differences were found over the 5 and 15 m sprint tests.

Change of Direction Ability Performance in Cerebral Palsy Football Players According to Functional Profiles.

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the validity and reliability of the two different change of direction ability (CODA) tests in elite football players with cerebral palsy (CP) and to analyse the differences in performance of this ability between current functional classes (FT) and controls. The sample consisted of 96 international cerebral palsy football players (FPCP) and 37 football players. Participants were divided into four different groups according to the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) classes and a control group (CG): FT5 (n = 8); FT6 (n = 12); FT7 (n = 62); FT8 (n = 14); and CG (n = 37). The reproducibility of Modified Agility Test (MAT) and Illinois Agility Test (IAT) (ICC = 0.82–0.95, SEM = 2.5–5.8%) showed excellent to good values. In two CODA tests, CG performed faster scores compared with FPCP classes (p < 0.01, d = 1.76–3.26). In IAT, FT8 class comparisons regarding the other classes were: FT5 (p = 0.047, d = 1.05), FT6 (p = 0.055, d = 1.19), and FT7 (p = 0.396, d = 0.56). With regard to MAT, FT8 class was also compared with FT5 (p = 0.006, d = 1.30), FT6 (p = 0.061, d = 0.93), and FT7 (p = 0.033, d = 1.01). No significant differences have been found between FT5, FT6, and FT7 classes. According to these results, IAT and MAT could be useful and reliable and valid tests to analyse CODA in FPCP. Each test (IAT and MAT) could be applied considering the cut point that classifiers need to make a decision about the FT8 class and the other FT classes (FT5, FT6, and FT7).

Diferencias entre alumnos de una escuela de atletismo y estudiantes de educación primaria en la capacidad de aceleración y cambio de dirección (Differences between children from an athletics school and primary education students in acceleration and change

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron, comparar la capacidad de aceleración y cambio de dirección entre atletas de una escuela de formación y alumnos de educación primaria, y conocer si la edad es un factor determinante en el rendimiento de estas habilidades motoras. En el estudio participaron 302 niños y niñas físicamente activos (7,79 ± 0,82 años, 153 ± 9,1 cm, 33,8 ± 8,6 kg), de los cuales 197 eran estudiantes de educación primaria (EP) y 105 pertenecían a una escuela de atletismo (AT). Los participantes de 8 y 9 años obtuvieron mejores resultados que los de 7 años tanto en la capacidad de aceleración como en el cambio de dirección (Dif. medias = 4,78-12,65%, d = 0,53-1,11, p &lt; 0,01). Sin embargo, en las variables analizadas los resultados fueron similares entre el grupo de 8 y el de 9 años (Dif. Medias = 3,05-3,94%, d = 0,22-0,44, p &gt; 0,05). Salvo en el Modified Agility Test (MAT) en el grupo de 8 años, los jóvenes atletas obtuvieron mejores resultados que los estudiantes de educación física en los test de rendimiento (Dif medias = 4,85-22.46%, d = 0,48-4,60, p &lt; 0.05). Los resultados sugieren que los participantes en una actividad deportiva extraescolar como el atletismo pueden alcanzar una mejor condición física que los niños/as que no practican ninguna actividad extraescolar reglada. Abstract. The aims of this study were to compare acceleration and change of direction capacity between athletes from an athletic training school and primary education students, and to assess if age is a determinant factor in the performance of these motor abilities. Three hundred and two physically active boys and girls participated in the study (7.79 ± 0.82 years, 153.0 ± 9.1 cm, 33.8 ± 8.6 kg), of whom 197 were primary education students (PE) and 105 were from an athletics training school (AT). According to age, the participants of 8 and 9 years obtained better results than those of 7 years both in acceleration and change of direction capacity (Diff. of means = 4.78-12.65%, d = .53-1.11, p &lt; .01 ). However, similar results were found in the same variables between the 8 year and 9 year old groups (Diff. of means = 3.05-3.94%, d = .22-.44, p &gt; .05). Except for the Modified Agility Test (MAT) in the group of 8 year olds, the young athletes obtained better results than the primary education students in the performance tests (Diff. of means = 4.85-22.46%, d = .48-4.60, p &lt; .05). These results suggest that the participants in a sport outside of school athletics can achieve a better acceleration and change of direction ability than children who do not practice any formal extracurricular school activity.