Maturation

Question 1

Define growth

Answer 1

changes in body size, physique, proportions and composition

Question 2

Define maturation

Answer 2

progress to adulthood, tempo or timing (skeletal, sexual, somatic, dental)

Question 3

Define development

Answer 3

Qualitative changes in functional capacity (cognitive, emotional, social, motor)

Question 4

How to measure maturity?

Answer 4

• Skeletal age
• 2ndary Sex Characteristics
• Age of menarche
• endocrine markers
• Somatic growth

Question 5

What is Puberty?

Answer 5

Biological process by which a child’s body matures into adult form capable of sexual reproduction, accompanied by physical, hormonal, neurobiological and psycho-behavioural changes

Question 6

When does Puberty occur?

Answer 6

Varies between and within sex, but girls typically mature two years in advance of boys

Question 7

Explain the qualities that accompany early maturation in boys and when it typically occurs

Answer 7

• Typically occurs 10-11
• Greater gains in height, weight, muscle mass
• Mesomorphic physique
• High self esteem, socially skilled, confident, leaders

Question 8

Explain the qualities that accompany late maturation in boys and when it typically occurs

Answer 8

• Typically occurs 13-14
• Lesser gains in height, weight, muscle and fat mass
• Tall and lean with longer legs and arms
• more likely to be Anxious, socially awkward

Question 9

Explain the qualities that accompany early maturation in girls and when it typically occurs

Answer 9

• Typically 9-10yrs
• Greater pubertal gains in height, weight, BMI, absolute fat + muscle mass
• Endomorphic physique
• Lower self esteem, more introverted, depression, eating disorders, delinquency

Question 10

Explain the qualities that accompany late maturation in girls

Answer 10

• Smaller pubertal gains in height, weight, BMI and absolute fat and muscle mass
• Extended childhood growth. Taller as adults.
• Actomorphic/Linear physique
• Confident, more positive self concept, extroverted

Question 11

What did Malina et al 2004 say about maturation and sport selection?

Answer 11

-Athletes within sports/positions display similar maturation timing and physical characteristics. Sports/positions favour certain characteristics.

Question 12

How does maturation timing affect selection for males in sport?

Answer 12

Early maturing males have an advantage due to being taller, heavier and having more muscle

Question 13

How does maturation affect selection for females in sport?

Answer 13

Sports demanding size/strength/power select for early maturing
Sports demanding endurance/team sports select for late maturation

Question 14

What are the direct effects of maturation on athlete selection?

Answer 14

• Physical changes associated with maturation result in superior performance and success
• Relative age effect

Question 15

What are the indirect effects of maturation on athlete selection?

Answer 15

• Athlete’s interpretation of pubertal changes

- Social management of puberty

Question 16

What did Malina et al 2004 find about he direct effects of maturation on selection when investigating an under 16s football squad?

Answer 16

Maturity predicts performance (20-50%) in Speed, Power and Aerobic Capacity

Question 17

What is the relative age effect, as told by the Institute of Youth Sports in 2007?

Answer 17

Greater proportion of male athletes are born early in the school year. No RAE in females

Question 18

What did Cumming et al 2011 say about the effect of early maturation on female athlete’s self concept?

Answer 18

-Early maturing female athletes feel less attractive, sports competent and physically fit, despite being stronger.

Question 19

What did Monsma et al 2006 find about the effect of puberty/menarche on the self concept of female athletes?

Answer 19

-Post Menarcheal Figure skaters reported higher social physique anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and concerns about fatness. Less sport competence.

Question 20

What is the effect of early maturation on males’ self concept?

Answer 20

Typically reports more positive self concept

Question 21

What features are important for the formal selection of young gymnasts? (prioritised list)

Answer 21

1. Morphology and Health
2. Physical and Psychological Ability
3. Response to instruction; physical improvement, psychological tolerance
4. Formal training & Competition

Question 22

According to Cumming et al 2005 what indirect effects do the importance of morphology have on young gymnasts?

Answer 22

-Taller, heavier gymnasts perceive coaches to be less encouraging and instructive, more punitive, more likely to ignore mistakes, and are less likeable

Question 23

What is the process of selection that mitigates the issue of different maturation rates proposed by Cumming et al 2017?

Answer 23

Biobanding

Question 24

What is biobanding?

Answer 24

Process of matching players by size/weight in competition to mitigate the age and maturity bias

Question 25

According to Lloyd and Oliver 2012, how does biobanding affect training?

Answer 25

Training effects and safety enhanced when groups were biobanded.

Question 26

According to Blanchard 2015, what effect does biobanding have on overuse injuries?

Answer 26

Reduces it

Question 27

What is the ‘underdog hypothesis’ according to Gibbs et al 2012?

Answer 27

Late maturing males develop superior psychological skills and work ethic to remain competitive

Question 28

In what ways could late maturity present an advantage?

Answer 28

• Late maturing males present superior fitness at 25-30yrs

- Underdog Effect