Biological maturation, anthropometric, and physical fitness variables of youth breaking athletes with different competition levels

Purpose This study aimed to analyze differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness performance based on chronological age, maturation status, and competition level among youth breaking athletes. Methods Morphological characteristics and selected physical fitness performances were assessed in 23 male youth breaking athletes (mean age: 14.47 ± 1.99 years). Biological maturity was estimated from anthropometric measures and expressed as age at peak height velocity (APHV) and maturity offset. All athletes were classified into two age groups (U14 and U18), three maturity groups (pre-peak height velocity (PHV), circum-PHV, and post-PHV) and two competition level groups (elite and sub-elite). Independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were employed to examine group differences, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to investigate intragroup relationships between morphological and physical fitness variables. Results There was no difference in body fat percentage ( P > 0.05) between U14 and U18 in terms of anthropometric measurement indicators. In contrast, significant differences ( P < 0.05) were observed in most physical fitness indicators (T-test, standing long jump, 30-m sprint, p ull up and 400-m run), with the U18 athletes showing superior performance. No significant differences were observed between elite and sub-elite youth breaking athletes, except in the one-minute sit-up test ( P = 0.028). Significant differences among different maturity groups were found in age ( P < 0.01), maturity offset ( P < 0.001), height ( P < 0.001), body mass ( P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ( P < 0.001), sitting height ( P < 0.001), leg length ( P = 0.016), T-test ( P = 0.029), standing long jump ( P = 0.019), 30-m sprint ( P = 0.006), 30s bodyweight squat ( P = 0.030), and 400-m ( P = 0.021). While chronological age and maturity status correlated with multiple physical performance indicators, body fat percentage ( P > 0.05) showed no such association. Conclusions Chronological age and maturity status play a crucial role in the physical performance of breaking athletes. However, the current physical fitness tests may not effectively distinguish the competitive levels of breaking athletes. Future studies are recommended to further develop and refine sport-specific test batteries.