Correlation between the 1RM test and maturational, neuromotor, anthropometric aspects and body composition in children and adolescents

Abstract

1 Repetition Maximum (1RM) tests have been used in research on strength training effects in children and adolescents. However, little is known about the association between 1RM tests and morphologic, neuromotor and biological maturation variables. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationship between 1MR tests and body composition, anthropometric variables, neuromotor tests and biological maturation. For such purpose, correlational methodology was used. The study involved 10 boys with average age of 10.28 (±2.20) years old. The variables analyzed were: body mass, stature, circumferences, skinfolds and biological maturation (pubic and axillary pilosity and genital development). Hence the sample was submitted to a battery of five neuromotor tests and six 1RM tests sessions for upper (UL) and lower (LL) limbs. Data analysis was developed using the Shapiro-Wilk's test (p≤0.05), descriptive statistics and the Spearman Correlation Coefficient (p< 0.01; P≤ 0.05). A strong correlation between age and the 1RM load for UL and moderate for LL was found. Stature presented a moderate correlation with 1MR of UL and strong correlation for 1RM of LL; absolute lean body mass presented moderate and strong correlation for UL and LL, respectively. The 1RM test for UL presented moderate correlation for pubic hair and strong correlation for axillary pilosity. These results indicated a multifactorial influence in the 1RM test loads demonstrating the importance in the use of morphological aspects, biological maturation and/or chronological age in the results analysis. Considering the weak relationship between the neuromotor and the 1RM tests, although they have been well used in research related to strength training on children and adolescents, their results should be carefully used when the purpose is to get information on the magnitude effects of strength training in that age range.