Comparación de la Aptitud física de jóvenes futbolistas chilenos categorizados por Bio-Banding

Abstract

The recognition of biological differences has led to the use of an alternative categorization method based on maturation in young athletes, known as Bio-Banding (BB). Through this approach, important differences can be observed in maturation processes, which impact advanced anthropometric measures (weight and height) and physical fitness (power, speed, strength, and endurance) within the same age group. The objectives of this study were to describe and compare the physical fitness of young soccer players from the U-12 to U-19 categories, grouped according to BB. A total of 151 male soccer players (age: 15.05 ± 1.63 years) from two professional football clubs in Chile participated. Physical fitness variables were compared using Welch’s ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests, revealing statistically significant differences among BB categories in the 10 m sprint (p < .001), 30 m sprint (p < .001), 20 m Zig-Zag (p < .001), CMJ (p < .001), and YoYoIR (p < .001). The findings show that maturation processes are reflected, in order of magnitude of change, in: (i) CMJ jump height, (ii) 10 m sprint time, (iii) 30 m sprint time, (iv) 20 m Zig-Zag time, and YoYoIR distance. In conclusion, there are significant changes in the physical fitness of players grouped by BB, although these do not follow a linear relationship with changes associated with maturation processes. This situation should be considered by clubs and coaches who apply BB as an alternative to chronological categorization in the identification, selection, and development of young talents.