Maturity-aware reference profiling of strength in competitive UK youth male ice hockey: athlete reclassification using chronological-age and biological-age centiles. | PSCJ | UKSCA

Maturity-aware reference profiling of strength in competitive UK youth male ice hockey: athlete reclassification using chronological-age and biological-age centiles.

16/10/2026

Lead author:
Mark Helme, Leeds Beckett University
Co-authors:
Dr Ashley Jones, Leeds Beckett University
Professor Kevin Till, Leeds Beckett University

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to develop strength centile reference values from a 2025 youth Ice Hockey athlete sample from which we then examine how athlete classification changes when strength performance is interpreted using chronological age and two biological age approaches. Strength assessments are commonly used within youth athlete monitoring to inform training prescription, benchmarking and long-term athletic development. However, interpretation is often based on chronological age, despite substantial inter-individual variation in maturation. This may advantage early maturing athletes and underestimate later maturing peers. Isometric mid-thigh pull and handgrip strength are practical, time-efficient measures that can be implemented across academy and school sport settings.

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Author: Mark Helme

Mark has been active as an accredited practitioner, with the UKSCA, since 2007. Having worked with athletes from a range of sports and all age ranges, he has brought this experience to both his research and teaching activities. Mark's doctoral research was exploring the implications of strength asymmetries on the sprint performances and injury rates of Rugby League players and his current research interests are to further explore the transfer of single leg strength to sporting performance task, such as sprinting and changing direction.

Author: Ashley Jones

Author: Kevin Till

Kevin Till is a Professor of Athletic Development and Director of the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy within the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University. Kevin is a UKSCA accredited coach currently working with Leeds Rhinos RLFC academy and supporting schools with Athletic Development provision.

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