Geithner, C. A., Thomis, M. A., Malina, R. M., & Beunen, G. P. (2003). Growth in peak aerobic power during adolescence. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1370.

The timing and tempo of the adolescent growth spurt in maximal aerobic power (VO2peak) in boys and girls was followed longitudinally from ages 10-18 years.

Mean age for VO2peak in girls was 12.3 yr and for boys 14.1 yr. Male values were significantly greater than for females. Ages at VO2peak and peak height growth were similar but before peak weight growth in both sexes. The relationships between the ages of VO2peak, peak height growth, and peak weight growth were moderate and significant in males but lower and only significant for VO2peak and weight in females.

Implication. VO2peak growth occurs earlier in females but is of greater magnitude in males. Males appear to have a general maturity factor where height, weight, and VO2peak occur in close proximity. Those three factors do not appear to be related in females, that is, they occur in unrelated sequences.

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