Rendimiento físico y características antropométricas según la maduración somática en jóvenes futbolistas chilenos

In soccer, the goal is to identify the most talented young players early to ensure they receive the best training throughout their development. The objective of study was to analyze the physical performance and anthropometric characteristics of young Chilean soccer players according to their level of somatic maturation. The study was observational, cross-sectional, comparative and correlational, with a sample of 74 young Chilean soccer players (13.9 ± 1.0 years). Maturation was estimated using the peak growth velocity acceleration (APVC). In anthropometry, height, body weight, and skinfold (triceps brachii and medial leg). Physical performance was evaluated using the horizontal jump, counter-movement jump (CMJ), 505 test, and sprints (10 and 20 m). The results showed that the soccer players in the Post-APVC group performed better than those in the Pre-APVC group in horizontal jumps, CMJ, 505 test, 10 and 20m sprints (p<0.01), and also outperformed the Circa-APVC group in 10 and 20m sprints (p<0.01). In addition, they showed greater height and body weight than their Pre and Circa-APVC groups (p<0.01). Similarly, significant relationships were observed between APVC and all physical performance tests applied (r= -0.47 to 0.62; p˂0.01). We conclude that young footballers with higher levels of APVC present better physical performance in all the variables evaluated, as well as greater height and body weight. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between somatic maturation and physical performance, which is why considering APVC in sports performance is essential.