Puissance critique de l’enfant prépubère et de l’adulte

Aim

The aim of the study was to compare aerobic and anerobic abilities of prepubertal children and adults with the critical power concept.

Methods

Sixteen children (10.3 ± 0.9 years) and 15 adults (23.5 ± 3.6 years) performed five tests: a maximal-graded test and four constant load exercises until exhaustion. Critical power (CP) and anaerobic-work capacity (CTA) were determined from the power-1/time (P-t) linear relationship.

Results

Determination coefficients for P-t were 0.94 ± 0.05 in children and 0.96 ± 0.04 in adults. PC values were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in children (2.7 ± 0.4 W/kg) than in adults (3.1 ± 0.3 W/kg). CTA values were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in children (136.4 ± 50.8 J/kg) than in adults (247.1 ± 45.7 J/kg).

Conclusion

Satisfying determination coefficients for CP and CTA were found in children and adults. Children have a lower CP and CTA than adults. This result is in accordance with literature.