IntelliSport

Summary

Studies have shown that aerobic training benefits pre-pubescent athletes less than it benefits adolescents and adults. A recent article describes how physical activity, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and skin fold measurements affect fitness levels of nine-year-olds versus 15-year-olds. Interestingly, the factors listed above showed no relationship to fitness level of nine-year-olds. However, among 15-year-olds, physical activity and skin fold measurements accounted for large differences in fitness.

Implementation

• Younger, pre-pubescent athletes benefit less from physical activity, so it is likely better to focus on skill-building during this stage of development.
• As athletes mature, their fitness levels benefit more from physical training, so increase this type of training over time.