[Assessment of anaerobic capacity for subjects with short, normal and tall stature between 18-23 years of age].

INTRODUCTION: Until now it has not been established whether anaerobic capacity of subjects with short stature, statistically comprising 10% of the population, differs from those of normal and tall stature (> 90 centile). No results of studies comparing anaerobic capacity for subjects with a range of body heights have been published in literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 435 (women 57%, men 43%) healthy young adults ranging between 18-23 years of age. Physical parameters for anaerobic capacity (work, maximum generated power and duration) have been marked during a 10-second exercise burst carried out on a cycloergometer. Subjects were classified into three body height categories: 90 ct--tall stature. RESULTS: Short stature was noted in 5% subjects, with a height deficiency (≤ -2.0 SDS) noted in 0.7% subjects. Tall stature was noted among 22% subjects. In both sexes the cohort included a significantly greater than expected (p < 0.001) number of tall-statured subjects and a significantly lower number (p < 0.01) of short-statured subjects. No differences were found in the mean parameters of anaerobic capacity for subjects of short, normal and tall stature, with the exception of women of tall stature whose results were significantly better than those for women of normal stature. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found in the capacities of subjects with short, normal and tall stature. However, with regard to women, in particular those of tall stature, a correlation between body height and anaerobic capacity was observed. It must be noted that the majority of the worst results were noted among the short-statured subjects, indicating that caution must be taken during interpretation of anaerobic capacity levels among this population. In order to correctly interpret results of anaerobic capacity studies, a standard needs to be put in place for the national population taking into regard sex and age, while for people of short stature the causes of their short stature must be established.