Children are superior to competitive athletes in fitness tests: Researchers in France have compared the performance of the two groups - and have come to an astonishing conclusion. What sounds incredible at first can be explained scientifically.
First of all, it should be mentioned that the children did not beat the adult athletes in general, but were superior in the areas of metabolism and fatigue, as can be read in Frontiers. For example, the children's heart rate returned to normal more quickly after strenuous exercise than that of the athletes. In addition, the children were apparently able to break down lactate faster - a metabolic by-product that contributes to muscle fatigue.
Endurance decreases with age
The fitness tests were carried out using ergometers among other things. The research was conducted at the French University of Clermont Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand. One group consisted of eight to twelve-year-old boys who otherwise did not carry out regular strenuous training. The group of adult athletes consisted of competitive athletes and university students.
Even though the group of children in the fitness tests was comparatively small, the scientists nevertheless derived one finding: the endurance of muscles is naturally greater in boys than in adult competitive athletes. However, this characteristic decreases as the child grows up. The Fitbit Ace fitness tracker, which is designed for children, could be used to test these findings.
Find out more about fitness training for children and young people in our article: Strength training for children and teenagers - useful or dangerous?
Source: CURVED
Image source: #103777105 © Sunny studio / Adobe Stock
Published on: 16 November 2018