Maximal isometric force and forearm muscle cross-sectional area in prepubertal soccer players

Maximal isometric handgrip force (F), forearm cross-sectional area (CSA) and the ratio F/CSA (stress) were measured in 41 prepubertal soccer players F and CSA showed a linear relationship with agel as were linear the relationships between weight and height vs age. Childrens showed a significantly lower (p<0.001) stress value than adults. Stress increases progressively with age to reach a value similar to that of adult peoples at about 12 years of age. From the literature data the stress seems to be independent of sex and age between 12 and 60 years of age, while in the pennate muscles stress may be modified by resistance training. In young and old peoples stress seems to be modifiable by different levels of maturity or involution of the muscular tissue, depending on some hormonal, trophyc and neurological factors.