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V.3.3. Endurance development in childhood

  • The fundamental characteristic of the respiratory and circulatory system’s performance is the ability of oxygen intake per minute. In childhood, for both boys and girls the development of this capability increases more or less at the same rate.
  • The boys’ endurance performance varies in direct proportion between 4-18 years. With girls the change will last until 13 years, after which the level of development will stabilize. This stabilization happens in spite the fact that the oxygen intake and working capacity has not yet reached its maximum (it would reach between 14-16 years). This deviation is due to the lack of physical activity, training and improvement of stamina.
  • The most intense phase of development of endurance can be observed between 7-10 years for both sexes. In addition, another intense phase follows for boys at around 14 years. The differences between the sexes become meaningful during puberty which can be influenced by regular physical activity and the percentage of body fat. The peak performance can also happen at this age. We can mention that the enzyme of the anaerobic metabolism and the body’s capability to break down lactic acid only becomes mature by puberty. In aerobic capacity the peak is reached after the puberty. According Matsui and Tamura (1975) the highest value among boys is at 17-18 years and among girls is at 16 years. In the preceding period, this ability varies linearly with age and then remains at the same level.
  • With adults and the elderly the level of endurance is categorized by the ability of maximal oxygen intake (VO2max) and the relative level of aerobic capacity. Men who are physically inactive can approach or reach the maximum of their endurance earlier or by 18-19 years while women on average by 14-16 years.
  • The non-competitive male athletes reach their maximum oxygen intake capacity by 18-25 years and women by 16-22 years. This value is 40-45 ml/kg/min for men and 36-38 ml/kg/min for women.