Geithner, C. A., Malina, R. M., & Woynarowska, B. (1995). Longitudinal analysis of the adolescent spurt in submaximal power output (PWC170). Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 638.

VO2max has been shown to undergo an adolescent spurt that occurs in close proximity to maximal growth in stature. This longitudinal study found that submaximal aerobic power, as measured by the PWC170, also peaks at the same time.

Implication. Training programs with very long-term goals, as well as physical fitness programs, would do well to emphasize aerobic conditioning well before and up to the occurrence of the peak adolescent growth spurt so that aerobic capacity growth will be stimulated fully.

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