Abstract des Autors

After a detailed review of the literature, the authors focus their attention on the precise definition of childhood (turgor primus, proceritas prima, turgor secundus and proceritas secunda), the main biological, metabolic and hormonal aspects of the growth process, paying special attention to genetic control and its importance for future athletic success, and the effects of sporting activity on somatic evolution, physical fitness and metabolic and hormonal processes as an indispensable introduction to a personal study. This was then carried out on a series of twenty male subjects aged between 9 and 12 years old (mean age 10.17+0.83) practising competitive football. All subjects performed the treadmill test and after-match field tests to measure the main ventilatory, cardio-hemodynamic and hematic parameters after the ascertainment of their biological age. Laboratory tests revealed increases in heart rate, VO2, Ve and QR comparable to those reported in homologous subjects practising different sports (swimming, running). Increases were also found in lactacidemia, free fatty acids, glycemia, adrenaline and noradrenaline (more significant in the latter), GH and cortisol, whilst changes in ammoniemia, ramified and aromatic amino acids, testosterone and DHEA-S were rare and absent. Field tests did not show any significant changes after the match. The authors report a number of apparently contradictory findings in this study, but underline the importance of a correct evaluation of the genome, biological age, hormonal control and a careful functional evaluation for the purposes of an early commencement of sporting activity based, at least initially, on motor activities aimed at ensuring the possession of basic skills and the main physical qualities, such as strength, speed, resistance and rapidity. Verf.-Referat