Physical Maturity, Muscular Strength, and Motor Performance of Young School-Age Boys

This investigation examined the relationship of skeletal age and other maturity indicators to measures of strength and motor performance of second grade boys. In addition to four maturity indicators the data on each subject included measurement of the strength of eight muscle groups, performance on the standing broad jump, the 30-yd. dash, and the overarm throw. The results showed that skeletal maturity was a factor of little consequence in explaining individual differences in strength and motor proficiency. Although none of the maturity indicators separately accounted for more than 15 percent of the variance in strength and motor performance, a proper weighting of these variables in multiple correlations accounted for as much as 65 percent of the variance in strength.