Validation of Maturity Offset in the Fels Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Sex-specific equations for predicting maturity offset, time before or after peak height velocity (PHV), were evaluated in 63 girls and 74 boys from the Fels Longitudinal Study. Serially measured heights (0.1 cm), sitting heights (0.1 cm), weights (0.1 kg), and estimated leg lengths (0.1 cm) from 8 to 18 years were used. Predicted age at PHV (years) was calculated as the difference between chronological age (CA) and maturity offset. Actual age at PHV for each child was derived with a triple logistic model (Bock-Thissen-du Toit). Mean predicted maturity offset was negative and lowest at 8 years and increased linearly with increasing CA. Predicted ages at PHV increased linearly with CA from 8 to 18 years in girls and from 8 to 13 years in boys; predictions varied within relatively narrow limits from 12 to 15 years and then increased to 18 years in boys. Differences between predicted and actual ages at PHV among youth of contrasting maturity status were significant across the age range in both sexes. Dependence of predicted age at PHV upon CA at prediction and on actual age at PHV limits its utility as an indicator of maturity timing and in sport talent programs.

Bio-banding in Sport: Applications to Competition, Talent Identification, and Strength and Conditioning of Youth Athletes

“…They are also influenced by individual differences in actual ages of PHV, especially among early and late maturing youth. Among early maturing boys and girls, predicted ages at PHV are later than actual age at PHV, while among late maturing boys and girls, predicted ages are earlier than actual ages at PHV (60,62,63). Intra-individual variation in predicted ages at PHV is also considerable.…”

“…Validation studies to date suggest that predicted age at PHV or classifications of pre-, circa-or post-PHV status may be useful near the time of actual PHV in average maturing boys within a relatively narrow age range, circa 14.0±1.0 years (60,62). Of note, many early-and mid-adolescent male athletes are advanced in skeletal and pubertal maturation (64).…”

“…Although predicted maturity offset was suggested as a categorical variable, i.e., an indicator of maturity status: pre-(>1 year before PHV), circa-(+/-1 year from PHV), or post-PHV (>1 year after PHV), it is often used as an indicator of maturity timing. The accuracy and reliability of the method has been questioned (60,62,63). Predictions are dependent upon age and body size at prediction and have reduced variation compared to actual ages at PHV.…”

Physical Activity, Not Sedentary Time, Predicts Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry–measured Adiposity Age 5 to 19 Years

“…PHV was calculated using height, weight, age, sex, sitting height, leg length, and weight by height ratio as predictors of somatic maturity. Since we measured participants at age 11, 13, and 15 and therefore calculated multiple estimates of age at PHV (APHV), as advised by Malina and colleagues, the APHV estimate with the most precision (from measurement at assessment closest to estimated APHV) was used in our models (19). The maturity offset equation has been validated in white Canadian children and adolescents (R 2 = 0.91, 0.92, SEE = 0.49, 0.50, respectively).…”

Efeito Da Maturação Como Covariável Da Diferença Entre Sexos Na Competência Motora Em Adolescentes

“…Embora existam diferentes métodos para avaliar a maturação (p. ex. idade esquelética, idade da menarca, estágio pubertário, percentual da estatura do pai, entre outros) 18 , o PCE tem sido amplamente utilizado como um método não invasivo para avaliar a maturação biológica, além de ser uma importante covariável do desempenho motor, da atividade física e da aptidão física na adolescência 18,38,39 . A dimensão amostral do presente estudo pode ter afetado a distribuição de sujeitos nos diferentes estágios de maturação, mesmo que nosso estudo tenha sido capaz detectar diferenças entre os sexos em todas as habilidades avaliadas e, assim estudos com amostras maiores seriam desejáveis para confirmar nossos resultados.…”