Abstract
Intensive and regular physical training alters female reproductive function. Its potential role on growth is still controversal. A longitudinal study was designed to analyze growth characteristics of young elite female gymnasts (15-25h/wk training) and moderately trained swimmers (5-15h/wk). At the beginning of the study, data concern 37 gymnasts (GY), 19 swimmers (SU1) and 34 sedentary schoolgirls examined once in the 1st year of study and included as controls (CON). Bone age was estimated using the methods of Greulich & Pyle and Tanner (TW2-RUS score) and adult height prognosis (AHP) using the methods of Bayley & Pinneau (BP), Roche (RWT) and Tanner (T). Parental heights of GY are significantly shorter than those of SWI and CON (fathers: p = .004, mothers: p < .001, one-way ANOVA), as are target-heights (p < .001). At first visit, GY are shorter and lighter than SWI and CON for age. Their bone age (11.0 ± 1.3 y, mean ± SD) is retarded (p < .001) when compared to chronological age (12.6 ± 1.2 y) and their AHP are lower than those of other girls (BP: p < .001, RWT: p = .023, T: p < .001). In each group, average AHP corresponds to average target-height. At the onset of our study, the relative shortness of stature (with pubertal delay) observed in female gymnasts remains appropriate for parental heights and is most probably due to selection. Follow-up should tell whether long-lasting physical training has any deleterious effect on growth. (Fund n° 3.962-0.84 of the Swiss National Science Foundation).
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Theintz, G., Howald, H., Allemann, Y. et al. 67 PARENTAL HEIGHTS, TARGET-HEIGHT AND ADULT HEIGHT PROGNOSIS OF YOUNG FEMALE GYMNASTS AND SWIMMERS. Pediatr Res 24, 528 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00088
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00088