The constituent year effect in European track and field masters athletes: Evidence of participation and performance advantages
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Publisher
Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.
School
Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research
RAS ID
34126
Abstract
Inequalities in relative age distribution have previously been demonstrated to influence participation and performance achievements in Masters athletes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the participation- and performance-related constituent year effect among Masters athletes (N = 2,474) from the European Masters Track and Field Championships across subdisciplines and age. The results indicated that a participation-related constituent year effect was observed. The likelihood of participation was significantly higher for athletes in their first year of any 5-year age category (χ2 = 149.8, p < .001) and decreased significantly when they were in the fourth or fifth year. The results also indicated a performance-related constituent year effect. Masters athletes in their first year won significantly more medals than expected based on observed participation rate (χ2 = 23.39, p < .001). We compare our results with the existing literature and discuss potential mechanisms for this constituent year effect. © 2020 Human Kinetics, Inc.
DOI
10.1123/japa.2018-0439
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Helsen, W. F., Medic, N., Starkes, J. L., & Williams, A. M. (2020). The constituent year effect in European track and field masters athletes: Evidence of participation and performance advantages. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 28(1), 63-72. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2018-0439