Abstract
M.Phil.
There is a lack of descriptive data on the physiological and physical profiles of
elite junior badminton players in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to
measure and describe the body composition, aerobic power, muscular
characteristics, speed, flexibility and agility of the elite junior badminton players in
South Africa.
Eight male and seven female badminton players between the ages of 14 and 18
years who were selected for the junior national badminton squad of South Africa
participated in this study. The players participated in the following field tests:
multistage-shuttle run; vertical jump; lunge jump; sit-ups; push-ups; forwards and
backwards speed at 2,4, and 6m and the SEMO agility test. Each subject was
tested on the Cybex II Isokinetic Dynamometer to determine absolute and
relative peak torque of the hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups, the
functional and conventional hamstring:quadriceps ratios, as well as the arm
power-endurance ratios. Flexibility was measured using the Leighton
Flexometer. The following means (+ SD) were observed for the male players:
height 180.4 (8.1)cm; mass 73.4 (9.7)kg; body fat 9.6 (1.6)%; somatotype
3.0:4.1:3.1 (1.0:1.1:1.0) and VO2max 50.7 (3.0) mlO2.kg-1.min-1. The female
players had the following means (+ SD): height 161.2 (4.3)cm; mass 58.1 (7.9)kg;
body fat 19.2 (4.5)%; somatotype 4.0:4.3:2.0 (1.0:1.1:0.7) and VO2max 42.0 (2.8)
mlO2.kg-1.min-1.
The physical fitness components of the players in this study that were found to be
weaker than the norm, and would need to be improved greatly included their
aerobic power, leg power and flexibility. Other fitness areas that were not
necessarily found to be a weakness, but could be improved further to enhance
their game, is their hamstring strength, eccentric leg strength, upper body and
abdominal endurance, backward speed and agility.
Mr. A.J.J. Lombard