Effect of maturity status on force-velocity relationships in a ballistic lower limb test in high-level soccer players.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of maturity status on force-velocity relationships in a ballistic lower limb (BLL) test in high-level soccer adolescents and young adults. The population was 61 adolescents (13.0-17.9 years) and 23 young adults (18.0-26.2 years). Subjects completed the BLL test on a ballistic ergometer equipped with two force plates and a linear encoder. Following Samozino's method, maximal power output ( P max ), force ( F 0 ) and velocity ( v 0 ) were determined. An allometric model was applied to P max and F 0 with body mass (BM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Significant effects of maturity status were found for absolute P max , F 0 , relative P max to BM and FFM, relative F 0 to FFM and F 0 allometrically scaled to BM and FFM ( p  = 0.02 to p  < 0.001; η  = 0.10 to η  = 0.49). There was no significant effect for P max allometrically scaled to BM and FFM, F 0 relative to BM and v 0 . Body dimensions explain group differences in P max whereas for F 0 , qualitative factors explain the differences between the groups. As maturity status and body dimensions influence P max , these factors should be considered when assessing explosive short efforts. This could help to better identify potential athletic talent and adapt training content.