Physiological and psychological characteristics of elite female adolescent athletes

The elite female adolescent athletes in this study were late maturers and had a later onset of menarche than the non-elite female adolescent athletes. They had less adipose tissue and more muscle than the non-elite athletes, though they were similar in height and body mass. The elite athletes had higher VO2 peak (l.min-1) and lower maximum heart rates (beat.min-1) when analysed by age and maturation status. VO2 peak (ml.kg-1min-1) was higher in the elite athletes but there was no effect of age or maturation. The elite athletes were less economical than the non-elite athletes during submaximal running, yet had lower blood lactate concentrations (mmol.l-1), lower heart rates (beats.min-1), worked at a lower percentage of their maximum heart rates, reported lower rates of perceived exertion and had lower R values. During the 30 s cycle maximal sprint the groups were similar for peak power (W) but there were independent effects of age and maturation. The elite girls had higher mean power output (W and W.kg-1). Blood lactate concentrations were similar for both groups though there was an independent effect of age and maturation. The elite athletes had higher combined leg press, higher left leg press and higher arm press than the non-elite athletes. There was an independent effect of age and maturation power and strength. The elite athletes were more skilled at using psychological strategies in training and competition and perceived that the significant others around them were both task- and ego-oriented with regards to their sporting success.