Anthropometric variability of European taekwondo champions / Variabilidad antropométrica de los campeones europeos de taekwondo

SUMMARY: World Taekwondo (WT) as an Olympic sport gained much more attention than before, and there is a growing need for precise and specific profiles of successful taekwondo competitors. Aim of this investigation was to determine body composition, somatotype, and selected anthropometric parameters/indexes of elite taekwondo champions and medal winners on the most demanding taekwondo tournaments in the World. The sample for this research consisted of n=16 (n=4 male; n=12 female) elite taekwondo champions, n=8 juniors and n=8 seniors, who were European (n=13), and World (n=3) champions of European descent. Data was collected longitudinally for seven years since 2015. Obtained results revealed specific (absolute) phenotype of taekwondo champions, following: PI (11.50 female; 11.85 male), HWR (43.96 female; 44.47 male) and BMI (19.96 female; 22.04 male). Further analysis shows that champions have greater values of body height, and have slightly greater ectomorphy and mesomorphy values in regard to other elite competitors. Presented research is the first publication of referent values for the general anthropometric dataset, and such results represent the anthropometric variability of European WT champions.

World Taekwondo (TW) como deporte olímpico ha logrado una mayor importancia, y existe una creciente necesidad de contar con perfiles precisos y específicos de competidores exitosos de TW. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la composición corporal, el somatotipo y parámetros/índices antropométricos seleccionados de campeones de TW de élite y los ganadores de medallas en los torneos de TW más exigentes del mundo. La muestra para esta investigación consistió en n=16 (n=4 hombres; n=12 mujeres) campeones de TW de élite, n=8 juniors y n=8 seniors, que eran europeos (n=13) y mundiales (n=3), campeones de ascendencia europea. Los datos se recopilaron longitudinalmente durante siete años desde 2015. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron un fenotipo específico (absoluto) de los campeones de TW, a continuación: PI (11,50 mujeres; 11,85 hombres), HWR (43,96 mujeres; 44,47 hombres) e IMC (19,96 mujeres; 22,04 hombres). Un análisis más detallado muestra que los campeones tienen mayores valores de altura corporal y tienen valores de ectomorfia y mesomorfia ligeramente mayores con respecto a otros competidores de élite. La investigación presentada es la primera publicación de valores de referencia para el conjunto de datos antropométricos generales, y dichos resultados representan la variabilidad antropométrica de los campeones europeos de TW.

Market value of Brazilian soccer players that played 2020 series A and B of the Brazilian championship: an analysis based on quarters of birth and playing position

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RAE in soccer players from different positions in Series A and B in 2020 Brazilian soccer, as well as the impact of RAE on the estimated market value of these players. Methods: Data from 1080 male elite soccer athletes were analyzed. Athletes were grouped according to birth quarters: Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December) and the competitive level (Series A or B). Chi-square tests (χ2) were performed to compare the birthdates' distribution of athletes according to a competitive level and playing positions. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the market values of players born in each of the quarters of the year across competitive levels and playing positions. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The overall analyses showed the prevalence of RAE in Series A and B, with an overrepresentation of athletes born in the first two quarters of the year. The RAE analysis based on playing positions showed different from expected distributions for forwards, midfielders, and defenders in Series A. In Series B, only midfielders showed a difference from the expected distribution. As for the market values analyses, no differences were found based on the athletes' birth quarters, regardless of competitive level or playing position. Conclusion: Our results indicate that, although RAE is prevalent in Series A and B of elite Brazilian soccer, it does not seem to influence players' estimated market values.

Comparative study of anthropometric measurement and body composition between elite handball and volleyball players from the Serbian national league / Estudio comparativo de medición antropométrica y composición corporal entre jugadores de balonmano y voleibol de élite de la liga nacional Serbia

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of elite handball and volleyball players from the Serbian national league as well as to make comparisons between them. Sixty males were enrolled, divided into three groups: 15 handball players, 14 volleyball players, and 31 healthy sedentary subjects. All subjects were assessed for the anthropometric measures required for the calculation of body composition variables, using the standardized procedures recommended by established literature. Data were analysed using SPSS, and the descriptive statistics were expressed as a mean (SD) for each variable, while the ANOVA and LSD Post Hoc tests were carried out to detect the effects of each type of sport. The results showed there was no significant difference for body weight and body mass index, nor were there any differences for the bone contents of bodies among the groups, while significant differences were found for body height, as well as for muscle and fat content of body among the groups. These findings may give coaches from the region better working knowledge and enable them to follow recent selection process methods and to be more careful during talent identification.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características antropométricas y la composición corporal de los jugadores de balonmano y voleibol de élite de la liga nacional serbia, y realizar comparaciones entre ellos. Se evaluaron sesenta hombres divididos en tres grupos: 15 jugadores de balonmano, 14 jugadores de voleibol y 31 sujetos sedentarios sanos. Se evaluaron las medidas antropométricas de todos los sujetos requeridas para el cálculo de las variables de composición corporal, utilizando los procedimientos estandarizados recomendados por la literatura establecida. Los datos se analizaron mediante SPSS y las estadísticas descriptivas se expresaron como media (DE) para cada variable, mientras que se realizaron las pruebas ANOVA y LSD Post Hoc para determinar los efectos de cada tipo de deporte. Los resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencias significativas para el peso corporal y el índice de masa corporal, ni hubo diferencias para el contenido óseo de los cuerpos entre los grupos, mientras que se encontraron diferencias significativas de altura corporal, así como para el contenido de músculo y grasa corporal. Estos hallazgos pueden proveer un mejor conocimiento de trabajo a los entrenadores de la región y permitirles seguir los métodos recientes del proceso de selección y estar más atentos durante la identificación de talentos.

Efecto de edad relativa en la Liga Nacional de Básquetbol de Chile (LNB) / Relative Age Effect in Chile's National Basketball League (LNB)

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue verificar la existencia de sobrerrepresentación de jugadores nacidos en la primera parte del año o Efecto de Edad Relativa (EER), en la elite del baloncesto masculino chileno.A partir de las nóminas oficiales de la Liga Nacional de Básquetbol de Chile (LNB) para la temporada 2019-20, se obtuvieron las distribuciones por mes, trimestre y semestre, de las fechas de nacimiento de los jugadores. Estas fueron comparadas con las distribuciones de nacimientos en Chile entre 1977 y 2005. La significancia estadística de las diferencias entre distribuciones esperadas y observadas se verificó mediante la prueba de χ2 (mensual y trimestral) y una distribución binomial (semestral).Los tres análisis arrojaron diferencias significativas entre las distribuciones esperadas y observadas, con una sobrerrepresentación de los nacidos en el primer semestre, primer trimestre y el mes de enero y subrepresentación de los nacidos el segundo semestre, cuarto trimestre y mes de diciembre. Se concluye que hay evidencia suficiente para confirmar la existencia de EER en LNB.Para disminuir el EER se proponen medidas tendientes a educar a entrenadores acerca de los efectos de las diferencias de edad en el rendimiento y el establecimiento de fechas de corte móviles durante la temporada competitiva.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the study was to verify the existence of overrepresentation of players born in the first part of the year or Relative Age Effect (RAE), in Chilean elite men's basketball.The distribution by month, quarter, and semester of players' birthdates were obtained from the official rosters of the National Basketball League of Chile (LNB) for the 2019-20 season. These were compared to the distribution of births in Chile between 1977 and 2005. The statistical significance of the differences between expected and observed distribution was verified using the 2 test (monthly and quarterly) and a binomial distribution (semi-annual).The three analyses yielded significant differences between the expected and observed distribution, with an overrepresentation of those born in the first semester, first quarter, and January and an underrepresentation of those born in the second semester, fourth quarter, and December. It is concluded that there is sufficient evidence to confirm the existence of RAE in LNB.To reduce RAE, measures are proposed to educate coaches about the effects of age differences on performance and the establishment of mobile cut-off dates during the competitive season.

Multidimensional indicators of sporting potential of brazilian trampoline gymnasts / Indicadores multidimensionais do potencial esportivo de ginastas de trampolim brasileiros

ABSTRACT The scientific evidence on the profile of trampoline gymnastic athletes is scarce. Considering that the individual trampoline is an Olympic sport, it is important to investigate the characteristics of these athletes in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate anthropometric, physical-motor, maturational, socio-environmental indicators and the sporting potential of Brazilian trampoline gymnasts, investigating differences between age categories. There were 147 athletes participating who competed in the State and Brazilian Championship of Trampoline Gymnastics by Age Group in 2017-2018. A multidimensional battery of tests was carried out, comparing the indicators collected between the categories 9 to 10 years, 11 to 12 years, 13 to 14 years, 15 to 16 years and 17 years or older. The coaches (n = 20) assessed the sporting potential of their gymnasts, in relation to the expectation of success in the future. The results showed statistically significant differences in body size and composition, somatotype, handgrip strength, countermovement jump, flexibility and sporting potential among athletes of different age categories, in both sexes. In addition, 30% of gymnasts showed high sporting potential, according to the perspectives of the coaches. It is concluded that the multidimensional indicators related to the sporting potential of Brazilian trampoline gymnasts vary according to the age category. This study is a pioneer in characterizing the profile of the elite Brazilian trampoline gymnast, using a dynamic approach related to the sporting talent.

RESUMO A evidência científica sobre o perfil de atletas de ginástica de trampolim é escassa. Considerando que o trampolim individual é uma modalidade olímpica, torna-se importante investigar as características desses atletas na realidade brasileira. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar indicadores antropométricos, físico-motores, maturacionais, socioambientais e o potencial esportivo de ginastas de trampolim brasileiros, investigando diferenças entre as categorias etárias. Participaram 147 atletas que disputaram o Campeonato Estadual e Brasileiro de Ginástica de Trampolim por Idades em 2017-2018. Foi realizada uma bateria de testes multidimensional, comparando os indicadores coletados entre as categorias 9-10 anos, 11-12 anos, 13-14 anos, 15-16 anos e 17 anos ou mais. Os treinadores (n = 20) avaliaram o potencial esportivo dos seus ginastas, em relação a expectativa de sucesso no futuro. Os resultados mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes no tamanho e composição corporal, somatotipo, força de preensão manual, salto contramovimento, flexibilidade e no potencial esportivo entre os atletas de diferentes categorias etárias, em ambos os sexos. Além disso, 30% dos ginastas apresentaram elevado potencial esportivo, segundo a opinião dos treinadores. Conclui-se que os indicadores multidimensionais relacionados ao potencial esportivo dos ginastas de trampolim brasileiros variam em função da categoria etária. Este estudo é pioneiro na caracterização do perfil do ginasta de trampolim brasileiro de elite, utilizando uma abordagem dinâmica relacionada ao talento esportivo.

Relative age effects in elite Brazilian track and field athletes are modulated by sex, age category, and event type

Abstract Aim: This study investigated the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in Brazilian track and field athletes based on sex, age category (U-16, U-18, U-20, U-23 and senior), and event type (sprints/hurdles, middle distance, long-distance, jumps, throws). Methods: Data from 2.259 male and 1.776 female elite track and field athletes, ranked top-50 in events held by the Brazilian Track and Field Confederation in 2019 were analyzed. To determine RAE athletes were divided into four quarters based on their months of birth, considering January 1st the cut-off date. The influence of sex, age category, and event types in the pervasion of RAE in Brazilian track and field athletes was assessed through Chi-squared tests. Results: Athletes born closer to the cut-off date were more frequent than athletes born further from this date were in male youth categories. This effect reduced as categories increased, even reversing in the senior category. Finally, RAE was more frequent in events in which athletic performance relies more on strength, speed, and power, which is the case of sprints/hurdles, jumps, and throws. Conclusion: RAE is particularly prevalent in young male Brazilian track and field athletes, which indicates that many potentially talented athletes are overlooked in youth tryouts because they were born months away from the cut-off date. Policies that reduce the disadvantages faced by relatively younger athletes are warranted in order to avoid the loss of potential sports talents.

O efeito da idade relativa nas delegações olímpicas brasileiras / The relative age effect on the olympic brazilian delegations

Estudos prévios sugerem que jovens atletas nascidos nos primeiros meses do ano podem ser beneficiados no processo de seleção e formação quando comparados a atletas de mesma idade nascidos nos últimos meses do ano. Esse fenômeno é descrito na literatura como o efeito da idade relativa (EIR). O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o EIR nas delegações brasileiras participantes dos Jogos Olímpicos de Atenas 2004, Pequim 2008 e Londres 2012. Para esta investigação, a amostra foi composta por 543 atletas olímpicos (masculino e feminino). O teste Qui-Quadrado (x 2 ) foi adotado para a comparação entre a distribuição esperada e a distribuição observada. O nível de significância adotado foi de p<0,05. Os resultados do presente estudo não indicam diferença significante para distribuição de nascimentos entre os quartis do ano para a amostra investigada (p>0,05). Considerando que a análise principal foi realizada com agrupamentos das modalidades, é possível especular que esse resultado pode ser atribuído a diversos fatores, como: i) menor demanda por uma vaga nas categorias de base em determinadas modalidades esportivas, ii) divisões por categorias competitivas que além da idade também levam em consideração outras variáveis, iii) adoção de diferentes abordagens de formação de jovens atletas.(AU)

Previous studies suggest that young athletes born in the first months of the year may have an advantage during selection and development process compared to athletes of the same age born in the last months of the year. This phenomenon is described in the literature as the relative age effect (RAE). The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of RAE in participants of Brazilian delegations of the Olympic Games Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. For this study, the sample consisted of 543 Olympic athletes (male and female). The chi-square (x 2 ) was adopted to compare the expected distribution and the observed distribution. The significance level was set at p <0.05. The results of this study do not indicate significant difference in the birth distribution among quarters of the year for the population investigated (p> 0.05). Considering that the main analysis was conducted by pooled data, it is reasonable to speculate this outcome might be due to multiple factors such: i) lower demand for a place in the early categories in some sports, ii) rating for competitive categories beyond age also take into account other variables such as weight and height iii) the adoption of different long-term youth training approaches.(AU)

The relationship between relative age effects and sex, age categories and playing positions in Brazilian National Handball Teams

Abstract Aims: This study investigated the existence of Relative Age Effect (RAE) in the selection process of male and female athletes in the Brazilian national handball teams according to age categories (U-18, U-21, and senior) and playing position (wings, backs, pivots, and goalkeepers). Methods: In order to determine RAE, athletes were divided based on their months of birth; quarters Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December). Data were collected from the official Brazilian Handball Confederation (CBHb) website and included the athletes that participated in training and/or competitions composing the Brazilian national teams from 2014 to 2018. To determine the RAE on playing positions, age categories of male and female groups were pooled. Chi-squared tests were performed to investigate the RAE. Results: An over-representation of players born in Q1 and Q2 in the U-18, U-20, and senior categories of male teams and the U-20, and senior female teams were found. In the male teams, as the age category increased, RAE decreased, but still existed. Such distribution was reversed in the female athletes, with a higher RAE magnitude in the senior category as compared to U-18 and U-21. Additionally, it seems that RAE is dependent on the playing position only for male athletes (wings and backs) whereas RAE was found for all playing positions in female athletes. Conclusion: Overall, RAE was found in Brazilian national handball teams, but its magnitude and form of manifestation seem to be influenced by sex, category, and playing position.

Sports potential modeling of young basketball players: a preliminary analysis / Modelagem do potencial esportivo de jovens basquetebolistas: uma análise preliminar

Abstract The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate the sports potential of young basketball players; 2) to identify variables that discriminate sports potential assessed by coaches; 3) to verifythe relationship between classification of the multidimensional profile of athletes and classification of the sports potential by coaches. Sixty-two young basketball players aged 15.6±1.1 years from U-15 (n = 24) and U-17 (n = 38) categories participated in the study. A test battery was applied to evaluate sports potential indicators: 1) anthropometric; 2) physicomotor; 3) psychological;4) skills;5) socio-environmental;6) maturational and 7) sports potential.Clusteranalysis was performed in three groups: high, medium and low potential. Student's t-test was used for the comparison between athletes evaluated by the coach as excellent and the others and the Chi-Square test to verify the relationship between sports potential classifications. It was observed that in the high-potential group, athletes were chronologically older, with higher % predicted adult height (PMS), competitive and determined sports orientation, higher body size, lower skinfold summation, and greater physicomotor performance. In comparison with other athletes, high-potential basketball players presented higher stature, wider wingspan,longer limb length, greater predicted adult stature and higher Z score of the % PMS. It could be concluded that the multidimensional approach was useful for the evaluation of the sports potential of young basketball players, requiring the use of multidimensional variables, in addition to coaches' opinion regarding the potential of their athletes.

Resumo Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar o potencial esportivo de jovens basquetebolistas;2) identificar variáveis que discriminam o potencial esportivo avaliado pelos treinadores; 3) verificar a relação entre a classificação do perfil multidimensional dos atletas e a classificação do potencial esportivo feita pelos treinadores. Participaram 62 jovens basquetebolistas brasileiros do sexo masculino,com 15,6±1,1 anos de idade, das categorias sub15 (n=24) e sub17 (n=38), Foi aplicada uma bateria de testes para avaliação dos indicadores do potencial esportivo: 1) antropométricos; 2) fisicomotores;3) psicológicos; 4) habilidades; 5) socioambientais; 6) maturacionais e 7) potencial esportivo. Foi realizada a análise de cluster classificando em 3 grupos: alto potencial, mediano e baixo potencial.Utilizou-se o teste t de Student na comparação entre os atletas avaliados pelo treinador como excelente e os demais e o teste Qui-Quadrado para testar a relação entre as classificações do potencial esportivo.Observou-se que no grupo de alto potencial, os atletas eram mais velhos cronologicamente, com maior % estatura adulta prevista, orientação esportiva competitiva e determinada, maior tamanho corporal,menor somatório de dobras cutâneas e maior desempenho fisicomotor. Na comparação com os demais atletas, os basquetebolistas de alto potencial apresentaram maior estatura, maior envergadura, maior comprimento de membros inferiores, maior estatura adulta prevista e maior escore Z do %EAP.Conclui-se que a abordagem multidimensional se mostrou útil para a avaliação do potencial esportivode jovens basquetebolistas, sendo necessária a utilização de variáveis multidimensionais, conjugada com a opinião dos treinadores em relação ao potencial de seus atletas.

Talentos esportivos no judô e na natação / Sports talents in judo and swimming

Resumo Este artigo teve por objetivo verificar a existência de um sistema de desenvolvimento de judocas e nadadores brasileiros talentosos, assim como descrever como ocorre o mesmo na prática, segundo a opinião dos técnicos dessas modalidades. Foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, por meio da realização de entrevistas com 18 técnicos de alto rendimento, sendo 11 de natação e sete de judô. Os técnicos participantes responderam a 10 perguntas semiestruturadas, relacionadas com o desenvolvimento de talento esportivo no Brasil. Os resultados foram analisados por meio do método do “Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo” DSC. Segundo 77% dos técnicos, não existe uma diretriz nacional para o desenvolvimento de talentos para as duas modalidades estudadas, e 66% dos entrevistados afirmaram que o desenvolvimento dos atletas ocorre por meio de cada entidade esportiva. De acordo com a opinião dos técnicos, conclui-se que as entidades nacionais de administração do esporte não elaboram diretrizes nacionais para o judô e a natação no Brasil, sendo as entidades de prática esportiva - tais como Clubes, Associações e Entidades Municipais de Prática Esportiva - as responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento dos atletas em ambas as modalidades.(AU)

Abstract This paper purported to establish the existence of a system for the development of talented Brazilian athletes judo and swimmers, as well as to describe how coaches in both sports see this process occurring in practical terms. An exploratory and descriptive research was conducted by means of interviews with 18 high-performance coaches (11 swimming coaches and 7 judo coaches). The participating coaches answered to 10 semi-structured questions concerning the development of sports talents in Brazil. The polled results were analyzed through the “Discourse of the Collective Subject” (DCS) method. According to 77% of those coaches, there is no established national guidelines for the development of talents in either one of these sports categories, and 66% of the interviewed stated that the development of the athletes falls entirely to each sporting association they belong with. The opinions of the interviewed coaches indicate that the government offi ces in charge of sports administration produce no comprehensible national guidelines for judo and swimming in Brazil, which leaves to institutions such as Sports Clubs, Associations and Municipal Sports Authorities the full responsibility for the development of athletes in both categories.(AU)

Relative age effect in fifa u17 emirates 2013 world cup: analysis of players who effectively participated in the matches / Efeito da idade relativa na copa do mundo fifa sub-17 emirates 2013: análise de jogadores que efetivamente participaram nos Jogos / Efecto de la edad relativa en la copa mundial de fútbol sub-17 emiratos 2013: análisis de los jugadores que participaron efectivamente en los partidos

The purpose of this study was to verify the date of birth is a decisive factor for the success of players selected by the coaches to participate in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Emirates 2013. The players' date of birth were classified into four quartiles of three months each (Q1 to Q4). In the qualifying round, 46.5% of the selected players born in Q1, while 12.5% in Q4. This significantly different distribution occurred until the semi-finals. However, in the final match, there were no significant differences between Q1 and Q4. A similar relative age effect also occurred when analyzed only players who actually participated to the matches. Interestingly, despite there was birth date effect on performance in all World Cup stages except in the final, other issues should take into consideration for a team became champion.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a data de nascimento é um fator decisivo para o sucesso de jogadores selecionados pelos treinadores para participar da Copa do Mundo Sub-17 Emirates 2013. As datas de nascimento dos jogadores foram classificadas em quatro quartis de três meses de cada (Q1 a Q4). Na qualificação, 46,5% dos jogadores selecionados nasceram em Q1, enquanto 12,5% em Q4. Esta distribuição significativamente diferente ocorreu até às semifinais. Entretanto, na final, não houve diferenças significativas entre Q1 e Q4. Um efeito similar da idade relativa também ocorreu quando analisados apenas os jogadores que efetivamente participaram das partidas. Curiosamente, apesar de haver efeito da data de nascimento sobre o desempenho em toda Copa do Mundo, exceto na final, outras questões devem levadas em consideração para uma equipe sagrar-se campeã.

La finalidad de este estudio fue verificar la fecha de nacimiento es un factor decisivo para el éxito de los jugadores seleccionados por los entrenadores para participar de la Copa Mundial sub-17 FIFA Emirados Árabes Unidos 2013. Fecha de nacimiento se clasificaron en cuatro cuartiles de tres meses (Q1 a Q4). En la qualificación, 46,5% de los seleccionados nacieron en Q1, mientras 12,5% en Q4. Esta distribución diferente ocurrió hasta las semifinales. Sin embargo, en la final, no hubo diferencias entre Q1 y Q4. Un efecto similar también ocurrió cuando se analizaron sólo los jugadores que efectivamente hugaron. Curiosamente, mismo con efecto de la fecha de nacimiento en toda la Copa Mundial, excepto la final, otros temas deben tener en cuenta para un equipo hacerse campeón.

Perfil de aptitud física en población escolar de Biruaca: San Fernando de Apure, Venezuela / Fitness parameters in students of Biruaca. San Fernando de Apure, Venezuela

El conocimiento de las posibilidades físicas de los individuos es fundamental para mantenerse saludable y físicamente apto. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la aptitud física (AF): poder aeróbico, velocidad básica, potencia global, flexibilidad, resistencia local dinámica de la musculatura abdominal, habilidad general, potencia de lanzamiento y características antropométricas (peso, talla e índice de masa corporal) de 113 escolares del Municipio Biruaca del Estado Apure. Métodos: Para el análisis de los datosse empleó el programa APTOKIDS y paquete estadístico SPSS-17. Las comparaciones se realizaron con un análisis de varianza con la dócima de inferencia simultánea de Tukey, (α<0,05) y con t-Student (α<0,05). Se determinó la relación entre la aptitud física y variables antropométricas con el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Para algunas pruebas (velocidad, potencia, abdominales y lanzamiento de pelota), la edad cronológica fue una variable que estableció diferencias intergrupales (p<0,05). Resultados: El poder aeróbico resultó mayor en el grupo masculino al igual que lanzamiento de pelota y agilidad. No hay dimorfismo sexual en potencia, flexibilidad y abdominales. La talla se relacionó con las pruebas de aptitud física en el grupo masculino, el femenino presentó una asociación más débil. La correlación entre la resistencia aeróbica y las variables antropométricas fue discreta, sin embargo resultó mayor con la prueba de lanzamiento de pelota. Conclusiones: Los resultados evidencian que las posibilidades de los grupos de diferente sexo pero de similar edad cronológica son distintas, por tanto, en la planificación de actividades tipo entrenamiento para mejorar la condición física, deben tomarse en cuenta estas diferencias.

Knowledge of the physical possibilities of individuals is essential to staying healthy and physically fit. The aim of the study was to assess the physical fitness profile (PF): aerobic endurance, basic speed, global power, flexibility, local dynamic resistance of the abdominal musculature, general ability, throwing power and basic anthropometric characteristics (weight, height and body mass index) of a withinschool sample comprised 113 students of Biruaca municipality of Apure State. Methods: The APTOKIDS software was used in conjunction with the SPSS-17 for analyzing data. Comparisons between sex groups were established by ANOVA, along with the simultaneous inference docima of Tukey (α<0.05). For comparisons between groups of same average age and different sex the t-student was used (α<0.05). Relationship between physical fitness and anthropometric variables were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient. For some tests (speed, power, abs and ball toss), chronological age was a variable that established group differences (p<0. 05). Results: Aerobic power was higher in the male group as well as in the ball throws and agility test. No sexual dimorphism was evident for power, flexibility and local dynamic resistance of the abdominal muscle (p<0.05). Height related to physical fitness test in the male group, but female presented a weaker association. Correlations between aerobic fitness and anthropometric variables was discreet, but was greater with the ball throw. Conclusions: Our data highlights that the physical profile of the groups of different sex but similar chronological age are different, therefore, in planning activities to improve physical fitness these differences should be taken into account.

The relative age effect in soccer: a case study of the São Paulo Football Club / Efeito da idade relativa no Futebol: o estudo de caso do São Paulo Futebol Clube

The aim of this study was to compare the birth-date distribution of youth athletes of a high-level Brazilian soccer club with the general population of the same age group. In a cross-sectional study, the birth date of 341 youth athletes (under 10-20) was compared with a reference population (live births that occurred in São Paulo state in the same age group; n = 5,480,868). The subjects were divided into quarters of birth: 1st = January-March; 2nd = April-June; 3rd = July-September; 4th = October-December. The chi-square test (χ2) was used to compare the expected (reference population) and observed (athletes) distributions. It was detected a significant difference between the expected distribution and observed distribution (χ2= 29.53; p<0.0001), with a higher percentage of athletes born in the 1st quarter (47.5%) and a lower percentage in the 4th quarter (8.8%). The present results confirm the occurrence of the relative age effect (RAE) during the player selection process in a top-level Brazilian soccer club. The occurrence of this phenomenon during the selection and development of young athletes needs to be taken into account and should be analyzed carefully in order to minimize the loss of potential youth soccer talent. Further studies are required to identify the determinants of RAE and to establish preventive strategies that ensure a more efficient selection process of young soccer players.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a distribuição das datas de nascimento dos atletas das categorias de base de um clube da elite do futebol brasileiro com a população do estado de São Paulo da mesma faixa etária. Por meio de estudo transversal, as datas de nascimento de 341 atletas das categorias de base de um clube de São Paulo (sub 10-20) foram comparadas com uma população de referência (nascidos vivos do Estado de São Paulo da mesma faixa etária; n = 5.480.868). Os indivíduos foram distribuídos por trimestre de nascimento: 1° = Janeiro a Março; 2° = Abril a Junho; 3° = Julho a Setembro; 4° = Outubro a Dezembro. Para análise comparativa entre a distribuição esperada (população de referência) e a distribuição observada (atletas), foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado (χ2). Foi detectada diferença significante entre a distribuição esperada e a distribuição observada (χ2= 29,53; p<0,0001), com maior concentração de atletas nascidos no 1° trimestre (47,5%) e menor no 4° trimestre (8,8%). Os resultados do presente estudo confirmam a existência do "efeito da idade relativa" (EIR) no processo de seleção de atletas em um clube de elite do futebol brasileiro. A ocorrência deste fenômeno durante o processo de seleção e formação de jovens atletas precisa ser considerada e analisada cuidadosamente, a fim de minimizar a exclusão de jovens atletas de futebol potencialmente talentosos. Estudos adicionais são necessários para identificar os fatores determinantes do EIR e promover estratégias preventivas que tornem o processo de seleção e formação de jovens futebolistas mais eficiente.

Efeito da idade relativa no Tênis / The relative age effect in Tennis

Estudos anteriores demonstraram que a distribuição de datas de nascimento dos atletas envolvidosnos esportes, como Handebol, Hóquei no Gelo, eo futebol é desequilibrada, com uma maior participaçãode indivíduos nascidos no início do ano de seleção. Este fenómeno tem sido descrito como oefeito da idade relativa (RAE). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência da RAE emTénis, mais especificamente nas seguintes categorias: menores de 12 anos, menores de 14 anos, menores de 16 anos, e sob18. Para este estudo, a amostra foi constituída por 700 jogadores de ténis masculino jovens (entre os classificados100 melhores jogadores de suas respectivas categorias) e os 100 melhores jogadores profissionais. A fim decomparar as datas de nascimento de nascimento, foram realizados o teste do qui-quadrado (x2) e correção de Bonferroni.O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido em p <0,05. Os resultados deste estudo apontam para aocorrência da RAE em todas as categorias de base. Foi observado que a maioria destes atletas(65,2%) nasceu no primeiro semestre. Além disso, uma diferença significativa foi detectada entrea distribuição esperada de nascidos vivos (população de referência; n = 1.433.945) eo observadodistribuição de nascidos vivos (tenistas jovens; n = 700) (p <0,05). Entre o profissionalatletas (n = 100), a distribuição de nascimentos em todo os quadrantes foi equilibrada. considerando-se oincidência de RAE, é imperativo que os treinadores de tênis planejar e implementar estratégias para a seleçãoe desenvolvimento de talentos esportivos, a fim de oferecer oportunidades semelhantes a todos os jovens atletas.

Previous studies have shown that the distribution of birth dates of athletes engaged in sports, such as Handball, Ice Hockey, and Soccer is unbalanced, with greater participation of individuals born early in the year of selection. This phenomenon has been described as the relative age effect (RAE). The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of the RAE in Tennis, more specifically in the following categories: under 12, under 14, under 16, and under 18. For this study, the sample consisted of 700 young male Tennis players (ranked among the top 100 players for their respective categories) and the top 100 professional players. In order to compare birth dates of birth, the Chi-square test (x2) and Bonferroni correction were performed. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results of this study indicate the occurrence of the RAE in all youth categories. It was observed that the majority of these athletes (65.2 %) was born in the first semester. In addition, a significant difference was detected between the expected distribution of live births (reference population; n =1,433,945) and the observed distribution of live births (young tennis players; n = 700) (p < 0.05). Among the professional athletes (n=100), the distribution of births across the quarters was balanced. Considering the incidence of RAE, it is imperative that Tennis coaches plan and implement strategies for selection and development of sport talents in order to provide similar opportunities to all young athletes.