Effect of a 13-week aerobic training programme on the maximal power developed during a force-velocity test in prepubertal boys and girls

The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of an aero bic training programme on the maximal power (Pmax) developed during a short -term exercise test in prepubertal children. Thirty-three 10 - 11 year old boys and girls were investigated: 17 (TG) participated twice a week (1 h pe r session) in a 13-week running programme and 16 (CG) served as a control g roup. Pmax was measured during a force-velocity test conducted on a frictio n-loaded cycle ergometer. The force (Fopt) and velocity (Vopt) at which Pma x was obtained were determined. Lower limb muscle mass (LMM) was evaluated by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry. Following training, Pmax increased e ven when muscle mass change due to the growth process was taken into accoun t (Pmax W: + 23 %, W . kg(-1) LMM: + 18 %, p < 0.001). The increase in Fopt was principally responsible for such an improvement since no alteration wa s noticed for Vopt after training. As for Pmax, Fopt was still greater foll owing training when LMM was taken into account (p < 0.01). Furthermore, no changes were noticed for CG for all variables evaluated during the anaerobi c test after the study period. Differences between TG and CG regarding Pmax and Fopt were obtained after training only. In conclusion this study highl ights the effectiveness of an aerobic training programme to improve the max imal power during short-term exercise in prepubertal children.