Effect of training on the aerobic power and anaerobic performance of prepubertal girls

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two, three times a week, 8-week training programmes on the aerobic power and anaerobic performance of 30 prepubescent girls, with a mean age of 9.6 y. Peak oxygen uptake assessed by an incremental discontinuous treadmill test, and peak power in 5 s and mean power over 30 s estimated from a Wingate anaerobic test were used as the criterion measures. Twelve girls trained using a continuous cycle ergometer programme, 11 girls followed a sprint running programme and the control group consisted of 7 girls. Both training groups significantly (p<0.05) increased their peak oxygen uptake and peak power in 5s. However, the increases reported here are lower than those generally observed in adolescents following training. The control group demonstrated no significant (p>0.05) change in either variable. No significant (p>0.05) changes in mean power over 30s were observed in any group.