Development and determinants of and recovery from all-out intensity exercise in paediatric subjects

Abstract

This purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of current literature on the development and determinants of and recovery from all-out intensity exercise in paediatric subjects. Between 8 and 21 years of age, the tempo and timing of development of power output among male and female paediatric subjects are different. Age exerts an independent effect on the evolution of maximal short-term power but sexual maturity does not appear to exert any significant effect once body mass, body fatness or thigh muscle volume are accounted for. Both quantitative and qualitative factors help to explain the 'growth curve' for maximal short-term power. Power recovery during repeated all-out intensity exercise is faster in paediatric subjects than in adult subjects. Directions for future research include the use of non-invasive technologies to study the mechanisms of all-out intensity exercise in paediatric subjects.