Early neuromuscular and cognitive signatures in high-performance young male Muay Thai athletes

Understanding developmental changes in neuromuscular and cognitive function is essential for evidence-based talent identification in striking sports. This study investigated age-related anthropometric, maturational, neuromuscular and cognitive characteristics in 215 high-performance young male Muay Thai athletes aged 8–18 years using a multivariate approach. Athletes completed a five-day evaluation including biological maturation profiling, anthropometry, training and competition history, computerized cognitive assessment and upper- and lower-limb neuromuscular testing.

One-way ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct developmental patterns across the four age groups. Anthropometric characteristics, maturity status, maximal strength and several cognitive measures improved significantly with age (all p