Correlation between peak growth velocity, age, body fat percentage, and neuromuscular variables in boys practicing judo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118547Keywords:
children, sports initiation, flexibility, handgrip strength, biological maturationAbstract
Introduction: The development of handgrip strength (HS) in judo is related to biological maturation reflected by the peak height velocity (PHV).
Objective: To analyze the correlations between age, body fat percentage, flexibility, handgrip strength, and peak height velocity in boys practicing judo.
Methodology: Twenty-two students participated. Age = 11.25 [10.95; 12.07] years; body fat percentage = 29.14 (±12.62); flexibility = 19.70 (±7.90) cm; handgrip strength = 21,50 [18; 27] kgf; and peak height velocity = -2.20 (±0.84). Variables with a normal distribution (body fat percentage, flexibility, and peak height velocity) were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Age and handgrip strength, which did not have a normal distribution, were expressed as median and interquartile range. For the analyses, the Pearson and Spearman coefficients were used, adopting a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The analyses revealed a strong correlation between age and handgrip stren Manual grip strength (r=0.590; p=0.004). Very strong correlations between peak height velocity and age (r=0.824; p<0.001) and between peak height velocity and manual grip strength (r=0.670; p<0.001). The variables body fat percentage and flexibility did not show significant correlations.
Discussion: It can be inferred that during the phase approaching PHV, individuals exhibit greater HS.
Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of biological age (through markers such as PHV) and HS can serve as a valuable tool to guide training, prevent overload, and promote balanced physical development.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natália Rodrigues dos Reis, Jefferson da Silva Novaes, João Vitor de Souza Moreira, Camille dos Reis Molina, André Calil e Silva, Diogo Pantaleão, José Vilaça-Alves, Mauro Lúcio Mazini Filho, Aline Aparecida de Souza Ribeiro, Jeferson Macedo Vianna
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