Ultrasound-derived skeletal maturity estimates of boys and girls selected to football and athletics development programmes: an exploratory study of 716 South African and German adolescents.
Maturity differences among adolescents in sports programs may influence selection, with South African participants generally less mature than Germans.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the slu-pp-332 (exercise mimetic) corpusSummary and findings
The study measured skeletal maturity using ultrasound in 716 South African and German adolescents involved in football and athletics development programs. South African boys in athletics were more mature than those in football, while German female football players were less mature than their athletics and school counterparts. South African participants were generally less mature compared to German participants.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Differences in maturity status between athletes may affect selection to development programmes. Data supporting this are limited for low- and middle-income countries.<h4>Aim</h4>This exploratory study aimed to describe the maturity by country, sport and position/event, using data from a convenience sample of South African and German adolescents selected to competitive football (soccer) and athletics (track and field) programmes, and school learners from the same geographical area.<h4>Subjects and methods</h4>We included skeletal age estimates from BAUSport ultrasound assessments of 233 girls (age 10-15 years) and 483 boys (age 10-17 years).<h4>Results</h4>South African boys in the athletics group were advanced in maturity compared to football players, who were advanced compared to school learners. Similar patterns could be seen for South African girls (data only available for athletics vs. school learners). German female football players were less mature than the athletics and school samples, with no apparent differences between German male groups. South African boys and girls were delayed in maturity compared to German participants.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Our observations may inspire future research aiming to understand the maturity of athletes in development pathways in South Africa using more robust study designs. Such studies should include a suitable control group.
Background
The study addresses the question of maturity differences among adolescents selected for sports development programs, which may influence selection processes. Previous data on this topic are limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding maturity differences is important for fair and effective talent identification and development in sports.
Methods
This exploratory study utilized skeletal age estimates from BAUSport ultrasound assessments. The sample included 233 girls aged 10-15 years and 483 boys aged 10-17 years from South Africa and Germany. Participants were selected from competitive football and athletics programs, as well as from school learners in the same geographical areas.
Results
South African boys in athletics were more mature than those in football, who in turn were more mature than school learners. South African girls in athletics were more mature than school learners. German female football players were less mature than both athletics participants and school learners. No significant maturity differences were observed among German male groups. Overall, South African participants were delayed in maturity compared to their German counterparts.
Interpretation
The findings suggest potential maturity-related biases in sports selection processes, particularly in South Africa. The observed maturity differences between South African and German adolescents may reflect broader socio-economic or environmental factors. However, the lack of a control group and the exploratory nature of the study limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Future research with more robust designs is needed to confirm these observations.
Key findings
- 716 adolescents aged 10-17 years were assessed.
- South African boys in athletics were more mature than those in football.
- German female football players were less mature than athletics and school samples.
- South African participants were delayed in maturity compared to Germans.
Limitations
- Convenience sample
- No suitable control group
- Exploratory study design
- Data only available for certain groups