Pediatric Anaerobic Performance

Scientists in the field of pediatric exercise physiology have extensively studied the cardiopulmonary system and aerobic performance. However, far less attention has been given to anaerobic performance, which is surprising since the activity patterns of children and adolescents are mainly characterized by their high intensity and short duration. Pediatric Anaerobic Performance fills this gap in scientific knowledge by presenting current information on anaerobic performance during growth and maturation.

Pediatric Anaerobic Performance contains 17 chapters on the developmental aspects of anaerobic performance, written by an international all-star team of 28 scientists and practitioners. These contributors-most of whom are members of the European Group of Pediatric Work Physiology and/or the North American Society of Pediatric Exercise Medicine-present reviews and new work on the genetic, developmental, physiological, and biomechanical aspects of children's anaerobic performance.

The book is divided into four parts:

-Biological development and anaerobic performance

-Assessment of anaerobic performance

-Anaerobic trainability and training

-Clinical limitations, environmental constraints, and future directions
Each chapter includes learning objectives that address key issues, a section pinpointing shortcomings of past research and directions for future research, and an extensive reference section that enables readers to explore the issues, ideas, and principles in greater depth. The book also features more than 130 figures, tables, and photos that highlight important points and issues.

Emmanuel Van Praagh, PhD, is a professor of exercise physiology at the Université Blaise Pascal in Clermont-Ferrand, France. His major research interest lies in the field of children's cardiorespiratory and anaerobic fitness, and he has published more than 100 research and scholarly articles on these subjects.

Dr. Van Praagh served as chair of the anaerobic metabolic sessions during several Pediatric Work Physiology Congresses. He is a journals referee for the International Journal of Sports Medicine, Pediatric Exercise Science, and Science & Sport. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the European College of Sport Science as well as a member of the French Société de Physiologie, the European Group of Pediatric Work Physiology, and the North American Society of Pediatric Exercise Medicine.

A former French champion and record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, Dr. Van Praagh was selected for Olympic and European track and field events. In 1988 he received his PhD in physiology from the Université de Poitiers. He lives near Clermont-Ferrand in the heart of France, where he enjoys running, cross-country skiing, golfing, and playing jazz guitar.