1
Mersin University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Mersin, Türkiye
2
Independent Researcher, Turkiye
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare physical performance across sports and examine associations with age and anthropometrics in 340 male athletes aged 12–15 years from İzmir clubs. Tests included height, body mass, 10 m sprint, T-test agility, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 m shuttle run (VO₂max), and anaerobic power via Johnson–Bahamonde equations. One-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD, correlations, and regression analyses were applied (α=0.05). With increasing age, sprint and agility improved, while CMJ, anaerobic power, and VO₂max increased (p<0.001). Athletics/taekwondo showed superior sprint, jump, and anaerobic power, whereas swimming/athletics led in VO₂max (p<0.01). Regression indicated age as the strongest predictor of sprint (β_std=−0.568; p<0.001), while P_peak, VO₂max, and training age were not significant (p>0.05). Body mass and height were positively related to anaerobic power but negatively to sprint and agility. Findings highlight biological maturation and sport-specific loading as key factors in early adolescence. For ages 12–15, versatile training programs balancing speed, agility, jumping, and endurance are recommended over early specialization, with attention to minimizing excess body mass. Longitudinal designs including female athletes are encouraged for future research.
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,
Fatih Sarisoy
2
