The Effect of Age and Anthropometric and Somatic Variables on Agility Performance in Adolescent Ice Hockey Players

Abstract

Agility, one of the components that affect performance, is beneficial in invasion sports, such as ice hockey. This study aimed to assess the relationship between agility and pubescence in adolescent male ice hockey players. Agility and anthropometric and somatic data were evaluated in 60 male participants (age, 12.98 ± 1.44 years). Participants were divided into 5 groups according to age from 11 to 15 years (11y to 15y). Anthropometric and somatic variables were observed using a bioelectrical impedance device. Agility performance level was evaluated by T-Test and Edgren Side Step Test (EDGREN). Significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. One-way analysis of variance was used to investigate mean differences. A significant effect of age was found for height, body weight, and skeletal muscle mass percentage. Tukey's (HSD) post hoc test revealed significant differences in height and body weight between all age groups. The T-Test revealed significant differences between all groups, except between groups 11y and 12y, 12y and 13y, and 14y and 15y. EDGREN showed differences only between groups 11y and 13y and 11y and 15y. Significant Pearson correlations were found between all monitored variables and both agility tasks. Agility improves with age in adolescent male ice hockey players. In ice hockey, EDGREN is suitable for testing agility skills in children from the end of middle childhood to early adolescence because it is less influenced by anthropometric and somatic variables. The T-Test should be used in testing agility in late adolescent and adult hockey players when maturation is completed.