EFFECTS OF RELATIVE AGE ON ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE IN TURKISH BOYS AGED 8 TO 12

Abstract

This study is held in order to analyze the relative age effect on anthropometric characteristics and motor performance of Turkish boys aged between 8 and 12. Boys (n=601) aged 8 to 12 participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken in accordance with the ISAK protocol. A group of Eurofit Test Battery tests and other standard tests were used for measurements related to motor performance. For each age, data for boys born in the first three months and in the last three months were compared. T-test was applied in the statistical analysis through the MedCalc program, and significance of differences and rates of change were assessed. For anthropometric characteristics in each age; higher body weight, body mass index, sitting height; relaxed flexed and tensed arm; waist, hip and calf circumferences; and humerus diameters were found to be higher in boys born in the first three months. For motor performance scores; agility, speed, arm velocity, body strength and endurance were better in boys born in the first quarter. The differences between data for the period sets were statistically significant. In evaluating performance in sport activities, talent selection and orientation programs organized for boys; the relative age effect should be considered, as not to disregard boys born in the last quarter of the year.