Physical and pubertal development in young male gymnasts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intense training on physical growth and sexual maturation in young male gymnasts. Physical development, pubertal development, testosterone levels, energy expenditure, and relative body fat were examined in 21 circumpubertal male gymnasts (13.3 +/- 0.3 yr) and 24 age-matched controls (13.5 +/- 0.3 yr). Subjects completed a self-assessment of genital and pubic hair development with the use of the Tanner scale. All subjects were measured for height, weight, and salivary testosterone levels (T). The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents was used to estimate weekly energy expenditure in metabolic equivalents. Percent body fat (%BF) was assessed by using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Developmental stages and T, as well as height and weight, were not different between groups. Energy expenditure was significantly higher (P <or= 0.05) and %BF was lower (P <or= 0.05) in athletes than in controls, but lean body mass was not significantly different between groups. Energy expenditure was negatively correlated (P <or= 0.05) with %BF but not related to T. Developmental stages were strongly (P <or= 0.05) related to T but not to energy expenditure or %BF. It is concluded that, although there is a higher energy expenditure accompanying intense training in young male athletes, their body composition is not necessarily affected, and there is no determined effect on their physical and pubertal development.

Nutritional Determinants of the Timing of Puberty

“…Although studies among males are lacking, the relation between body fat and pubertal timing may be different in boys than in girls. One investigation showed that, while body fat percentages were lower among male gymnasts compared with age-matched nongymnasts, there was no difference in genital or pubic hair Tanner staging (41). In that study, however, body fat percentage at the time of assessment did not necessarily correspond with the prepubertal body fat percentage.…”

Relationship among explosive power, body fat, fat free mass and pubertal development in youth soccer players: a preliminary study

“…In fact, the Italian Soccer Federation states that in the higher amateur soccer championship, sport clubs are compelled to use at least four ''young'' players distinct in relation to the age groups (1 player aged 20, 2 players aged 19, 1 player aged 18). Considering that we found only two subjects that have completed the maturation process in ''Juniores'' category and that high-intensity physical activity can modify the development of puberty [53], coaches should take into account the needs and the problem of young soccer players to ensure the ''safe'' growth of the soccer player. A study of Baldari et al [43] showed that boys who were advanced in biological maturity were generally better performers than their late maturing peers and suggests that physical education programs should be planned on the basis of biological age, and physical activity classes should be organized according to subjects' biological characteristics and not according to their chronological age.…”

Resiliency, Control, Enjoyment and Physical Activity in African American High School Students

“…All questions are scored 1 to 5 and an overall PAQ-A score is derived by taking the mean of all 9 items. The PAQ-A has demonstrated adequate reliability and validity in a variety of studies (e.g., Crocker, Sabiston, Forrestor, Kowalski, Kowalski, & McDonoungh, 2003;Gurd & Klentrou, 2002).…”