Predicting agility performance with other performance variables in pubescent boys: a multiple-regression approach

Percept Mot Skills. 2014 Apr;118(2):447-61. doi: 10.2466/25.10.PMS.118k16w4.

Abstract

The goal was to investigate the influence of balance, jumping power, reactive-strength, speed, and morphological variables on five different agility performances in early pubescent boys (N = 71). The predictors included body height and mass, countermovement and broad jumps, overall stability index, 5 m sprint, and bilateral side jumps test of reactive strength. Forward stepwise regressions calculated on 36 randomly selected participants explained 47% of the variance in performance of the forward-backward running test, 50% of the 180 degrees turn test, 55% of the 20 yd. shuttle test, 62% of the T-shaped course test, and 44% of the zig-zag test, with the bilateral side jumps as the single best predictor. Regression models were cross-validated using the second half of the sample (n = 35). Correlation between predicted and achieved scores did not provide statistically significant validation statistics for the continuous-movement zig-zag test. Further study is needed to assess other predictors of agility in early pubescent boys.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills / physiology*
  • Movement*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Muscle Strength
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Regression Analysis