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Leyhr D, Rösch D, Cumming SP, Höner O. Selection-Dependent Differences in Youth Elite Basketball Players' Relative Age, Maturation-Related Characteristics, and Motor Performance. Res Q Exerc Sport 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38350004 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2311644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of players' relative age, maturation-related characteristics, and motor performance tests on two different stages of talent selection (regional and national level) in youth elite basketball. Methods: Relative age, maturation-related variables (height, weight, maturity offset, maturity timing) and motor performance (Countermovement jump, Standing long jump, Modified agility T-test, Linear sprint 20 m) of N = 68 male youth basketball players (Mage = 14.39 ± 0.28 years) were assessed during the initial selection tournament for the German U15 national team. Pre-selection biases regarding relative age and maturity timing on the regional level were investigated utilizing one-sample t-tests. Differences in relative age, maturation-related characteristics and motor performance between players selected (n = 27) and non-selected (n = 41) for the youth national team were examined via independent samples' t-tests and logistic regression analyses. Results: Strong pre-selection biases toward early-born and early-maturing players were confirmed on the regional level. Significant advantages in height and weight and higher values in maturity offset and maturity timing were found for selected players. Among the motor variables, only Countermovement jump performance was significantly better in selected players. When controlling for relative age and biological maturation regression models including motor performance variables did not significantly discriminate players' selection status. Conclusion: Coaches working in national, but also preceding selection stages (regional and club level) should raise their awareness to relative age and biological maturation when evaluating players' potential and current (motor) performance.
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Cumming SP, Pi-Rusiñol R, Rodas G, Drobnic F, Rogol AD. The validity of automatic methods for estimating skeletal age in young athletes: a comparison of the BAUSport ultrasound system and BoneXpert with the radiographic method of Fels. Biol Sport 2024; 41:61-67. [PMID: 38188108 PMCID: PMC10765447 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.127380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the validity of two automated methods (BAUSport, BoneXpert software using Fels, Greulich-Pyle, Tanner-Whithouse III protocols) for estimating skeletal age (SA) in young athletes in comparison to a reference standard (Fels). 85 male and female athletes, nine to seventeen years of age, from multiple sports were assessed for SA as part of an annual medical and health screening programme. Intra-class correlations demonstrated high degrees of association between the automatic methods for estimating SA (BAUSport r = .98; BoneXpert r = .96-.99) and the discrepancy between SA and chronological age (SA-CA) (BAUSport r = .93; BoneXpert r = .88-.97), with the reference standard. Concordance analyses for the categorisation of participants as early, on-time and late maturing also demonstrated substantial levels of agreement for both methods (BAUSport Kappa = .71; BoneXpert Fels Kappa = .63) with the reference standard. Bland-Altman plots comparing the automatic methods with the reference standard identified statistically significant fixed biases, ranging in magnitude from small to large. Collectively, these results suggest that BoneXpert and BAUSport can provide comparable estimates of SA and SA-CA in young athletes relative to the Fels method. Biases in the estimation of SA should, however, be considered and the automatic methods should be implemented as part of a comprehensive growth and maturity screening protocol. The non-invasive nature of the BAUSport method affords particular advantages (no radiation exposure, portability) in contexts where the regular estimation of SA is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gil Rodas
- FC Barcelona, Futbol Club Barcelona Medical Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Franchek Drobnic
- FC Barcelona, Futbol Club Barcelona Medical Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alan D Rogol
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
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Fallon Verbruggen F, Kaľata M, Marenčáková J, Malý T, Zahálka F. The effect of biological maturation on foot morphology, and their relation to postural stability performance in male footballers. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023; 63:1155-1164. [PMID: 37535341 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.23.15037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological maturity (BM) and foot morphology (FM) can independently alter neuromuscular loading on the ankle-foot complex, potentially causing stability deficits and injury predisposition. However, the influence of BM on FM, and how much both explain neuromuscular performance in postural stability (PS) tests, has been understudied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BM on FM, and then discover to what extent both factors explain the variance in PS performance in adolescent footballers. METHODS Over one season, 399 three-dimensional foot scans were gathered from 72 footballers (U12-U15). PS was measured by center of pressure (COP) displacement in bilateral and unilateral stance. The Khamis and Roche equation determined maturity status (MS), while formulae from Mirwald and Khamis and Roche estimated timing of biological maturation (TBM). Principal component analysis determined nine principal components that explained the most variance in FM. An ANCOVA determined the effect of TBM on FM principal components, with covariates of age, height, weight, playing position, and foot preference. Step-wise linear regression determined the explanation of COP displacement by the above-mentioned predictors. RESULTS There was significantly increased foot pronation during and after peak height velocity/puberty. MS and four foot principal components (foot arch and width, great toe width and length) were significant predictors in all PS tests (R2: 0.105-0.180). CONCLUSIONS TBM had a significant effect on FM presentation, and should be a part of adolescent foot assessment. While they only explained a small amount of variance, determining MS and FM may identify those requiring additional PS attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdia Fallon Verbruggen
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic -
| | - Maroš Kaľata
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Marenčáková
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Malý
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - František Zahálka
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Arenas L, Frenger M, Skorski S, Meyer T. Survey of the current practices of German football academies towards biological maturation assessment. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37840319 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2270563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the importance assigned to assessing and considering biological maturation in thematic areas of player development and provide an overview of current practices in German football academies regarding its consideration in training and competition. METHODS An online survey was sent to 56 elite German football academies. A total of 46 responded to the questionnaire (82% response rate). Six participants provided incomplete information resulting in a total of 40 completed surveys in the period from March to May 2022. RESULTS Only 20 of participants regularly carried out maturation assessments, despite 95% recognizing its importance for load management, 90% for player development, and 85% for injury prevention. There was no consistent approach to modifying training and competition formats based on maturity status, with a primary focus on gym-based sessions for load management. CONCLUSION The survey results highlight limited implementation of maturation assessment and training modification based on maturity status in German elite youth football academies. Despite recognizing the importance of load monitoring, reporting to parents, and long-term player development in considering biological maturation, practices are not widespread. The predominant use of the maturity offset method suggests an opportunity to improve accuracy by exploring alternative measurement methods and increasing assessment frequency. Moreover, a lack of established procedures for incorporating maturity status into training and competition exists, hindering comprehensive consideration of biological maturation and injury risk prevention. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for inconsistent approaches in maturation assessment and load modification during training and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Arenas
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Monika Frenger
- Department Economics and Sociology of Sport, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sabrina Skorski
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
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Basten LM, Leyhr D, Murr D, Hauser T, Lüdin D, Romann M, Höner O, Fischer S, Gruber-Rouh T, Eichler K. Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Skeletal Bone Age Assessment in Healthy Male Children. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 32:50-55. [PMID: 37619372 PMCID: PMC10549875 DOI: 10.1097/rmr.0000000000000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal bone age assessment for medical reasons is usually performed by conventional x-ray with use of ionizing radiation. Few pilot studies have shown the possible use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PURPOSE To comprehensively evaluate feasibility and value of MRI for skeletal bone age (SBA) assessment in healthy male children. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective cross-sectional study, 63 male soccer athletes with mean age of 12.35 ± 1.1 years were examined. All participants underwent 3.0 Tesla MRI with coronal T1-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE), coronal proton density (PD)-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE), and T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) volume interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence. Subsequently, SBA was assessed by 3 independent blinded radiologists with different levels of experience using the common Greulich-Pyle (GP) atlas and the Tanner-Whitehouse (TW2) method. RESULTS In a mean total acquisition time of 5:04 ± 0:47 min, MR image quality was sufficient in all cases. MRI appraisal was significantly faster ( P < 0.0001) by GP with mean duration of 1:22 ± 0:08 min vs. 7:39 ± 0:28 min by TW. SBA assessment by GP resulted in mean age of 12.8 ± 1.2 years, by TW 13.0 ± 1.4 years. Interrater reliabilities were excellent for both GP (ICC = 0.912 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.868-0.944) and TW (ICC = 0.988 (95% CI = 0.980-0.992) and showed statistical significance ( P < 0.001). Subdivided, for GP, ICCs were 0.822 (95% CI = 0.680-0.907) and 0.843 (95% CI = 0.713-0.919) in Under 12 and Under 14 group. For TW, ICCs were 0.978 (95% CI = 0.958-0.989) in Under 12 and 0.979 (95% CI = 0.961-0.989) in Under 14 group. CONCLUSION MRI is a clinically feasible, rapidly evaluable method to assess skeletal bone age of healthy male children. Using the Greulich-Pyle (GP) atlas or the Tanner-Whitehouse (TW2) method, reliable results are obtained independent of the radiologist's experience level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lajos M. Basten
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne Germany
| | - Daniel Leyhr
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
- Methods Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dennis Murr
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
- Methods Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Hauser
- DFB (Deutscher-Fußball-Bund)-Akademie, Germany
- Faculty of Sports Sciences and Personality, Business and Law School, BSP, Berlin, Germany; and
| | - Dennis Lüdin
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM), Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Romann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM), Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Höner
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
- Methods Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fischer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tatjana Gruber-Rouh
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katrin Eichler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Sullivan J, Roberts SJ, Mckeown J, Littlewood M, McLaren-Towlson C, Andrew M, Enright K. Methods to predict the timing and status of biological maturation in male adolescent soccer players: A narrative systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286768. [PMID: 37682962 PMCID: PMC10490883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to summarise the methods used to predict and assess maturity status and timing in adolescent, male, academy soccer players. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline and SPORTDiscus. Only experimental studies including male, academy players aged U9-U18 years registered with a professional soccer club were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using guidelines from the Framework of Potential Biases. Fifteen studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Studies were mainly conducted in European countries (n = 12). In total, 4,707 players were recruited across all 15 studies, with an age range of 8-18 years. Five studies were longitudinal, two studies were mixed-method designs and eight studies were cross-sectional. Due to high heterogeneity within the studies, a meta-analysis was not performed. Our findings provided no equivalent estimations of adult height, skeletal age, or age at PHV. Discrepancies were evident between actual and predicted adult height and age at PHV. The Bayley-Pinneau [1952], Tanner-Whitehouse 2 [1983] and Khamis-Roche [1994] methods produced estimates of adult height within 1cm of actual adult height. For age at PHV, both Moore [2015] equations produced the closest estimates to actual age at PHV, and the Fransen [2018] equation correlated highly with actual age at PHV (>90%), even when the period between chronological age and age at PHV was large. Medical imaging techniques (e.g., Magnetic Resonance Imaging, X-Ray, Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry) demonstrated high intra/inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.83-0.98) for skeletal maturity assessments. The poor concordance between invasive and non-invasive methods, is a warning to practitioners to not use these methods interchangeably for assessing maturational status and timing in academy soccer players. Further research with improved study designs is required to validate these results and improve our understanding of these methods when applied in this target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sullivan
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Sport and Exercises, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Trauma and Orthopedics Department, Broadgreen Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Roberts
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Sport and Exercises, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- The Football Exchange, School of Sport and Exercises, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John Mckeown
- Everton Football Club, Finch Farm Training Complex, Finch Lane, Halewood, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Littlewood
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Sport and Exercises, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- The Football Exchange, School of Sport and Exercises, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher McLaren-Towlson
- University of Hull, School of Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Cottingham Road, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Andrew
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Enright
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Sport and Exercises, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- The Football Exchange, School of Sport and Exercises, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Rüeger E, Hutmacher N, Eichelberger P, Löcherbach C, Albrecht S, Romann M. Ultrasound Imaging-Based Methods for Assessing Biological Maturity during Adolescence and Possible Application in Youth Sport: A Scoping Review. Children (Basel) 2022; 9:children9121985. [PMID: 36553428 PMCID: PMC9776568 DOI: 10.3390/children9121985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bone maturity is an indicator for estimating the biological maturity of an individual. During adolescence, individuals show heterogeneous growth rates, and thus, differences in biological maturity should be considered in talent identification and development. Radiography of the left hand and wrist is considered the gold standard of biological maturity estimation. The use of ultrasound imaging (US) may be advantageous; however, its validity and reliability are under discussion. The aims of this scoping review are (1) to summarize the different methods for estimating biological maturity by US imaging in adolescents, (2) to obtain an overview of the level of validity and reliability of the methods, and (3) to point out the practicability and usefulness of ultrasound imaging in the field of youth sports. The search included articles published up to November 2022. The inclusion criteria stipulated that participants had to fall within the age range of 8 to 23 years and be free of bone disease and fractures in the region of interest. Nine body regions were investigated, while the hand and wrist were most commonly analyzed. US assessment methods were usually based on the estimation of a bone maturity stage, rather than a decimal bone age. Furthermore, 70% of the assessments were evaluated as applicable, 10% expressed restraint about implementation, and 20% were evaluated as not applicable. When tested, inter- and intra-rater reliability was high to excellent. Despite the absence of ionization, low costs, fast assessment, and accessibility, none of the US assessments could be referred to as a gold standard. If further development succeeds, its application has the potential to incorporate biological age into selection processes. This would allow for more equal opportunities in talent selection and thus make talent development fairer and more efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rüeger
- Department of Elite Sport, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Hutmacher
- School of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Science, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patric Eichelberger
- School of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Science, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claus Löcherbach
- Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Albrecht
- Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Romann
- Department of Elite Sport, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-58-467-62-96
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Charbonnet B, Sieghartsleitner R, Schmid J, Zuber C, Zibung M, Conzelmann A. Maturity-based correction mechanism for talent identification: When is it needed, does it work, and does it help to better predict who will make it to the pros? J Sports Sci Med 2022; 21:640-657. [PMID: 36523901 PMCID: PMC9741715 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2022.639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
When identifying talent, the confounding influence of maturity status on motor performances is an acknowledged problem. To solve this problem, correction mechanisms have been proposed to transform maturity-biased test scores into maturity-unbiased ones. Whether or not such corrections also improve predictive validity remains unclear. To address this question, we calculated correlations between maturity indicators and motor performance variables among a sample of 121 fifteen-year-old elite youth football players in Switzerland. We corrected motor performance scores identified as maturity-biased, and we assessed correction procedure efficacy. Subsequently, we examined whether corrected scores better predicted levels of performance achievement 6 years after data collection (47 professionals vs. 74 non-professional players) compared with raw scores using point biserial correlations, binary logistic regression models, and DeLong tests. Expectedly, maturity indicators correlated with raw scores (0.16 ≤ | r | ≤ 0.72; ps < 0.05), yet not with corrected scores. Contrary to expectations, corrected scores were not associated with an additional predictive benefit (univariate: no significant r-change; multivariate: 0.02 ≤ ΔAUC ≤ 0.03, ps > 0.05). We do not interpret raw and corrected score equivalent predictions as a sign of correction mechanism futility (more work for the same output); rather we view them as an invitation to take corrected scores seriously into account (same output, one fewer problem) and to revise correction-related expectations according to initial predictive validity of motor variables, validity of maturity indicators, initial maturity-bias, and selection systems. Recommending maturity-based corrections is legitimate, yet currently based on theoretical rather than empirical (predictive) arguments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Charbonnet
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 145, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Charbonnet B, Sieghartsleitner R, Schmid J, Zuber C, Zibung M, Conzelmann A. Maturity-based correction mechanism for talent identification: When is it needed, does it work, and does it help to better predict who will make it to the pros? J Sports Sci Med 2022. [DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2022.640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
When identifying talent, the confounding influence of maturity status on motor performances is an acknowledged problem. To solve this problem, correction mechanisms have been proposed to transform maturity-biased test scores into maturity-unbiased ones. Whether or not such corrections also improve predictive validity remains unclear. To address this question, we calculated correlations between maturity indicators and motor performance variables among a sample of 121 fifteen-year-old elite youth football players in Switzerland. We corrected motor performance scores identified as maturity-biased, and we assessed correction procedure efficacy. Subsequently, we examined whether corrected scores better predicted levels of performance achievement 6 years after data collection (47 professionals vs. 74 non-professional players) compared with raw scores using point biserial correlations, binary logistic regression models, and DeLong tests. Expectedly, maturity indicators correlated with raw scores (0.16 ≤ | r | ≤ 0.72; ps < 0.05), yet not with corrected scores. Contrary to expectations, corrected scores were not associated with an additional predictive benefit (univariate: no significant r-change; multivariate: 0.02 ≤ ΔAUC ≤ 0.03, ps > 0.05). We do not interpret raw and corrected score equivalent predictions as a sign of correction mechanism futility (more work for the same output); rather we view them as an invitation to take corrected scores seriously into account (same output, one fewer problem) and to revise correction-related expectations according to initial predictive validity of motor variables, validity of maturity indicators, initial maturity-bias, and selection systems. Recommending maturity-based corrections is legitimate, yet currently based on theoretical rather than empirical (predictive) arguments.
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10
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Höner O, Murr D, Larkin P, Schreiner R, Leyhr D. Nationwide Subjective and Objective Assessments of Potential Talent Predictors in Elite Youth Soccer: An Investigation of Prognostic Validity in a Prospective Study. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:638227. [PMID: 34124654 PMCID: PMC8193982 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.638227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have provided empirical evidence on the prognostic relevance of objective performance diagnostics in the soccer talent identification and development process. However, little is known about the prognostic validity of coaches' subjective evaluations of performance. This study evaluated objective and subjective assessments within a nationwide talent development program and addressed motor, perceptual skill, and personality-related performance factors. Male players (N = 13,869; Mage = 12.59 ± 1.07 years) from the age groups U12 to U15 of the German soccer talent development program participated in this study. Participants completed an objective motor diagnostic (sprint, agility, dribbling, ball control, juggling) and were subjectively rated by their coaches (kicking skills, endurance, individual tactical skills, psychosocial skills). All nine predictors were assessed with sufficient psychometric properties (α ≥ 0.72; except dribbling and ball control: α ≥ 0.53). Players' success three seasons later was operationalized by achieving professional youth academy level or not (success rate, 9%). Independent-samples t-tests analyzed univariate mean group comparisons between future selected and non-selected players. Logistic regression models examined the multivariate prognostic validity of all assessments by predicting success with subjective (model 1), objective (model 2), and both groups of predictors (model 3). Confirming the univariate prognostic validity, future selected outperformed non-selected players regarding all predictors (each p < 0.001, except for agility in U15: p < 0.01). Tactical skills, kicking skills, and sprint were of highest predictive value (d ≥ 0.61 in each age group). Multivariate results provided empirical evidence for the subjective (7% ≤ Nagelkerke's R2 ≤ 11%; each p < 0.001) and objective (8% ≤ Nagelkerke's R2 ≤ 13%; each p < 0.001) assessments' prognostic validity. However, model 3 revealed the best statistical explanatory power in each age group (0.15 ≤ Nagelkerke's R2 ≤ 0.20; p < 0.001). In this combined assessment model, sprint, tactical skills, and dribbling were found to be the most predictive variables. In conclusion, this study reinforces the call for multidimensional diagnostics integrating objective and subjective assessments. Future research is needed to address the demands for longitudinal analyses of subjective ratings, the integration of biological maturation, and empirical evidence for female soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Höner
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dennis Murr
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert Schreiner
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Leyhr
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Methods Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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11
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Leyhr D, Bergmann F, Schreiner R, Mann D, Dugandzic D, Höner O. Relative Age-Related Biases in Objective and Subjective Assessments of Performance in Talented Youth Soccer Players. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:664231. [PMID: 34056590 PMCID: PMC8160372 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.664231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Talent research has recommended that multidimensional assessments of performance are needed to improve the identification and development of talented young athletes. However, factors such as the relative age effect may cloud our ability to assess factors related to performance. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of any relationship between soccer players' chronological and relative age, and objective and subjective performance assessments. Data for highly talented male soccer players selected into the German Soccer Associations' talent promotion program (N = 16,138) for U12 to U15 age groups (M age = 12.62 ± 1.04 years) were examined. Besides anthropometric assessments, players completed a battery of five motor tests that objectively assessed speed abilities and technical skills (specifically sprint, agility, dribbling, ball control, and juggling). In addition, coaches subjectively rated players on their kicking, tactical, and psychosocial skills, as well as providing holistic evaluations of each player's current and future performance levels. Correlation analyses were used to investigate the extent of any relationships between the chronological and relative age of players and their results for each of the assessments. A strong linear decrease in the frequency of later-born players confirmed the overrepresentation of early-born players in all age groups (0.92 ≤ |r| ≤ 0.95, each p < 0.001). From U12 to U15, significant (each p < 0.001) correlations were found between the chronological age of players and their height (|r| = 0.70), weight (|r| = 0.69), speed abilities (|r| = 0.38), and technical skills (|r| = 0.43). When evaluating each age group separately, small effects were found when correlating relative age with the anthropometric assessments (0.18 ≤ |r| ≤ 0.26), and only trivial effects with speed abilities and technical skills (0.01 ≤ |r| ≤ 0.06). Similarly, low correlations were found for the subjective evaluations of kicking, tactical, and psychosocial skills with chronological age across age groups (0.03 ≤ |r| ≤ 0.07), and with relative age in each age group (0.01 ≤ |r| ≤ 0.11). The results show a skewed distribution toward early-born players and-in reference to their relative age-advanced performance in late-born athletes. However, trends toward a better holistic rating of early-born players for current and future performance levels were found. Coaches should be aware of these effects during talent selection, but also when interpreting results from subjective and objective assessments of performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leyhr
- Department of Sport Psychology and Research Methods, Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Methods Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fynn Bergmann
- Department of Sport Psychology and Research Methods, Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Schreiner
- Department of Sport Psychology and Research Methods, Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Mann
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Oliver Höner
- Department of Sport Psychology and Research Methods, Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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