Riner, W. F., McCarthy, M., DeCillis, L., & Ward, D. S. (1997). Relationship of anaerobic to aerobic function in children and adolescents. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1528.

This study evaluated the relationship between standard measures of anaerobic and aerobic function in children (M = 9, 9.7 yr; F = 13, 8.6 yr) and adolescents (M = 7, 14.1 yr; F = 7, 16.1 yr).

The relationship of peak anaerobic power with oxygen uptake was significant in both groups of children but not in adolescents. This suggests that aerobic and anaerobic function are undifferentiated in children but are differentiated in adolescents. This could explain observed differences in the exercise response of children when compared to adolescents and adults.

Implication. The anaerobic and aerobic response of children to exercise is related (not differentiated), a pattern that is lost post-puberty.

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