Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate cross-sectionally the development of running speed, step frequency, step length, running form, and maximal anaerobic power (MAnP) in high school boys. Subjects were 134 high school boys ranging from fifteen to seventeen years of age. They participated in powertests including the 50 m dash, maximal bicycle pedalling, vertical jump and long jump. They were videotaped during the 50 m dash to analyze their running form. Variables analyzed were: 1) 50 m running time, running speed, step frequnency and step length, 2) step time, support time and non-support time, 3) path of the whole body center of gravity (CG), 4) maximal anaerobic power, vertical jump, and long jump. Results: 1. Running time for 50 m decreased from 7.44 to 7.14 s with age. Running speed increased from 7.70 to 8.00 m/s with age. Step frequency increased, while step length and step length/body height ratio showed no significant change. 2. MAnP increased from 766.0 to 823.6 W with age, but no noticeable change occurred in the MAnP/body weight. 3. At each age, significant correlations were found between step frequency, step length, and step length/body height except step length/body height of fifteen year old boys. Furthermore, running speed and variables for physical fitness such as MAnP showed significant correlations. Running speed and MAnP/body weight showed a significant correlation for each age group. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)