A new peak-power estimation equations in 12 to 14 years-old soccer players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop an age and soccer-specific regression equation to estimate the peak power of children aged 12-14 from the height of their vertical jumps using a large sample (n = 188). This study included 188 male soccer players (age, 12.6 ± 0.55; height, 153.31 ± 8.38 cm; and body weight, 43.65 ± 7.58 kg). Their actual peak power values obtained from vertical jumps were recorded using a force platform. The body weights of the participants were measured using Tanita. A regression model was developed using body weight and vertical jump values. All data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS (version 21) statistical analysis program. A multiple linear regression model was used to generate the best estimation of peak power. In this regression model, Power = -1714,116 + [(47.788 ∗ body weight (kg)] + [(58,976 ∗ Countermovement jump height (cm)]. Actual peak power is highly predictable for 12-14-year-old football players. In line with the new model, the actual peak power values obtained in this study were close to the estimated peak power values obtained with the Tufano formula. This may be because of the larger sample size and the same branch used for both equation models.