Association between peak height velocity (PHV), speed, and agility in pencak silat athletes

Background: Peak height velocity (PHV) is a critical marker of biological maturity in youth athletes, influencing neuromuscular development and physical performance. However, research on its relationship with speed and agility in pencak silat (a sport requiring high motor coordination and explosive movements) remains limited. Research Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between PHV, speed, and agility in young pencak silat athletes and to discuss implication for maturity-based training programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 53 adolescent athletes (21 males, 32 females; aged 11-15 years) from the Al Ghozaliyah Pencak Silat Training Center. PHV was estimated using the Mirwald equation based on anthropometric measurements. Speed was assessed via a 20-meter sprint test, and agility was measured using the Illinois agility test. Pearson correlation and independent t-test were used for analysis. Finding/Results: A significant negative correlation was found between PHV and agility (r = -0.356, p = 0.009) and between PHV and sprint speed (r = -0.341, p = 0.013), indicating that athletes pas PHV demonstrated superior performance. A strong positive correlation was observed between agility and speed (r = 0.509; p < 0.001). Male athletes outperformed females in speed (p = 0.021), while females showed slower agility times (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Biological maturity, particularly PHV status, significantly influences physical performance in young pencak silat athletes. Coaches should individualize training programs based on maturation stage rather than chronological age, prioritizing neuromuscular training during and after PHV to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.