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Vastus lateralis contractile properties and physical performance in youth alpine skiers according to maturity status

Year: 2026
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Very little is known about the influence of biological development on muscle contractile properties and their relationship with the physical performance of alpine skiers in younger age categories. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of biological maturation on the contractile properties of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle using the method of tensiomyography (TMG), as well as their relationship with countermovement jump (CMJ) height and maximal 20-meter flying sprint speed (20 m L), and to provide normative values for this population. METHODS: The study included 139 alpine skiing competitors in younger categories, aged between 10 and 16 years. The maturity status of the participants was determined based on the calculation of maturity offset (MO) and the predicted age at peak height velocity (PHV). Based on this, the participants were divided into three groups according to PHV timing: pre-PHV (23), mid-PHV (81), and post-PHV (35). Using the TMG method, we measured contraction time (Tc) and, based on other TMG parameters (Dm, Td, and Ts), calculated velocity of contraction (Vc). CMJ height was measured using a tensiometric platform, and 20 m flying speed was assessed using an electronic measuring device with photocells. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance showed no statistically significant differences in the TMG variables Tc and Vc between individual PHV periods; however, significant differences were found for CMJ height (p = 0,002) and 20 m flying speed (p < 0,001). For the latter two variables, an independent samples t-test revealed that individuals in the post-PHV group achieved better values compared to the pre-PHV and mid-PHV groups (p < 0,05). Correlation analysis did not show statistically significant associations between biological age and Tc or Vc. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between Vc and CMJ height (p = 0,03; r = 0,16) as well as 20 m flying speed (p = 0,02; r = 0,18). DISCUSSION: The presented results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of biological maturation on muscle contractile properties and physical performance during the critical period of growth. While CMJ height and 20 m flying speed increased with maturation, VL contractile properties (Tc and Vc) remained stable. This stability may reflect early maturation of muscle contractile function, which reaches near-adult values before the adolescent growth spurt, and individual variability in fiber composition, neuromuscular efficiency, and training history. No significant associations were found between biological age and Tc or Vc, suggesting that TMG parameters are influenced more by intrinsic muscle characteristics and specific training adaptations than by maturation alone. Importantly, higher Vc was positively associated with both CMJ height and sprinting speed, highlighting its relevance for explosive and coordination-demanding movements. These findings can guide coaches in diagnostics and training optimization, while longitudinal studies are warranted to explore developmental changes further.
DOI: 10.35469/978-961-7276-21-3_20
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7164040712
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