DOCTORAL DISSERTATION LEAN BODY MASS AND ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Authored by Lorena Correas Gómez DOCTORAL STUDIES: RESEARCH IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT Mentors: Prof. Dr. José Ramón Alvero Cruz Sports Medicine School Faculty of Medicine University of Málaga Prof. Dr. Elvis Álvarez Carnero Faculty of Educational Sciences University of Málaga Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Florida Hospital and Sanford, Burnham, Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, FL, USA FACULTY OF MEDICINE UNIVERSITY OF MÁLAGA 2017 AUTOR: Lorena Correas Gómez http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1838-8993 EDITA: Publicaciones y Divulgación Científica. 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Esta Tesis Doctoral está depositada en el Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga (RIUMA): riuma.uma.es TESIS DOCTORAL INDICADORES DE MASA MUSCULAR ESQUELÉTICA Y RENDIMIENTO ANAERÓBICO EN NIÑOS Y ADOLESCENTES Lorena Correas Gómez PROGRAMA DE DOCTORADO: INVESTIGACIÓN EN ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA Y DEPORTE Directores: Prof. Dr. José Ramón Alvero Cruz Escuela de Medicina de la Educación Física y el Deporte Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Málaga Prof. Dr. Elvis Álvarez Carnero Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación Universidad de Málaga Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes, Florida Hospital and Sanford, Burnham, Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, FL, USA FACULTAD OF MEDICINA UNIVERSIDAD DE MÁLAGA 2017 25 de junio de 2017 El Dr. José Ramón Alvero Cruz, Profesor Titular del Área de Educación Física y Deportiva de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Málaga Certifica que La Memoria de Tesis Doctoral, titulada: “LEAN BODY MASS AND ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS”, de Lorena Correas Gómez, ha sido planificada, realizada y supervisada, por lo cual se considera apta para su lectura y defensa José Ramón Alvero Cruz Profesor Titular del Área de Educación Física y Deportiva Universidad de Málaga 25 de junio de 2017 El Dr. Elvis Álvarez Carnero, Profesor Contratado Doctor, de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Málaga Certifica que La Memoria de Tesis Doctoral, titulada: “LEAN BODY MASS AND ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS”, de Lorena Correas Gómez, ha sido planificada, realizada y supervisada, por lo cual se considera apta para su lectura y defensa Elvis Álvarez Carnero Profesor Contratado Doctor Universidad de Málaga ACKNOWLEDGMENT My PhD journey has been a truly professional- and life-changing experience for me and it would not have been possible to complete it without the support, encouragement and guidance that I received from many people. First of all, my deepest acknowledgement goes to my mentors, José Ramón Alvero Cruz and Elvis Álvarez Carnero, for offering your time, wide knowledge, tireless help and exceptional mentorship. I value the trust you have put into me, your wise guidance and patience throughout the whole research process. Two great mentors and extraordinary people conforming a balanced team to achieve this thesis. I am truly grateful to Professor Dr. Francesca Amati, from the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), for offering the opportunity to grow in a professional research environment and be part of a great team during my PhD studies. A very enriching experience. Thank you very much for your continuous help and advice. My sincere thanks to Dr. Inigo San Millán, from the University of Colorado (USA), for accepting me in his laboratory during my doctoral training, and sharing his knowledge and experience. A dream come true. Big thanks to all the participants in the studies, to the schools and sports clubs, because without their collaboration it would not have been possible. In particular, to the athletes who I coached in the club Union Atlética Benalmádena (Málaga) who have patiently performed countless tests. Thanks for trusting me as your coach. You are the inspiration that has led me to conduct the present thesis. I would like to express my appreciation to the many researchers, teachers, coaches and students who have collaborated in testing and data collection sessions. Especially to those who were involved in GEOS and ESCCOLA Projects. Thank you very much for your valuable help. Special thanks to Professor Robert M. Malina (Bob), for his continuous scientific legacy that has served as the basis for this work, and has nurtured many of my professional curiosity. I deeply appreciate the shared time, talks, and your expert advice, a real honor and privilege. My warmest thanks to my parents Clara and Manuel, for yoçur unconditional support and generosity throughout this process, indispensable for achieving this goal and "crossing many finish lines". Special thanks to my brother David —who I can always count on whatever it comes up, for being respectful with my professional pathway. Eternal thanks to the three of you for believing in me, and for your love. I would like to mention the rest of my family members to whom I have not been able to devote the time that they deserve during this period. Thanks for your understanding. Finally, strong thanks to my friends, those who have been close to me since the beginning of this trip, those who I have met in Switzerland and USA, and those who have met at the last stage. Thanks to all of you who listened, advised and encouraged me along this journey, and who I laugh and cry with. Our friendship matters. Let’s celebrate all!