Influence of Adiposity and Maturation on the Motor Performance of Girls Aged 8 to 16 Years |
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Authors: | Christine E. Pacewicz Karin A. Pfeiffer Amy K. Nuttall Crystal F. Branta John L. Haubenstricker Vern Seefeldt |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Kinesiology, Saginaw Valley State University , University Center, Michigan, USA cpacewic@svsu.eduhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3756-7313;3. Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan, USA;4. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan, USA |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT Excess adipose tissue may impact the motor performance of youth. Therefore, the current study examined (a) if adiposityinfluenced performance in the jump and reach and 30-yard dash and (b) if maturation predicted motor performance. Participants (N = 267) included girls aged 8 to 16 years. Latent growth curves were used to assess changes in motor performance. Sum of skinfolds predicted jump and reach performance from age 8.5 to 10.5 years, 11.5–12.0 years, 13.0 years, and from age 14 to 14.5 years (b = ?0.013 to 0.051, p < 0.05). Sum of skinfolds predicted 30-yard dash performance from age 8.5 to 14.0 years and at age 15.5 years (b = 0.003 to 0.005, p < 0.05). Maturation did not predict performance. Future research should examine determinants that explain the link between adiposity and motor performance. |
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Keywords: | Motor competence fitness body fat body composition youth |
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