Dr Sean Cumming (University of Bath): The latest research on Growth & Maturation

Dr Sean Cumming is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Bath, as well as a consultant for the Premier League, Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association and Bath Rugby. He previously provided “An idiot’s guide to Growth, Maturation and Biobanding” in Season 1, Episode 11 of the podcast.


In this episode Sean discusses:

  • Some of the interesting research projects that have happened in the Growth & Maturation space since our last chat in 2019.
  • The research by Megan Hill showing the influence of peak height velocity on match grades in Academy Footballers.
  • The research by David Johnson showing that the impact of Growth related injuries can be attenuated in Academy Footballers.
  • The continued confusion of people wrongly using Relative Age Effect and Maturation interchangeably.
  • Why the Maturity Offset method has a large error and shouldn’t be a primary tool for monitoring maturation status.
  • Where the research is heading in the future, including the on pitch visual screening behaviours of late vs early maturers.

You can listen to the episode in full.

You can follow Sean’s work via his Research Gateway profile page.


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