Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025
Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Physiological Characteristics of Young (9-12 Years) and Adolescent (≥13 Years) Rhythmic, Acrobatic, and Artistic
Nili Steinberg1, Liav Elbaz1, Gali Dar2
1The Academic College Levinsky- Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel.
Background:
Elite gymnasts are exposed to high levels of physical stress, during both childhood and adolescence, with significantly late maturation and high injury prevalence. Here, we compare the physiological characteristics of female gymnasts in 2 age groups: young (9-12 years) and adolescent (≥13 years) in 3 disciplines of competitive gymnastics.
Hypothesis:
Participants' physiological characteristics will differ by age group and by gymnastic discipline.
Study Design:
Cohort study.
Level Of Evidence:
Level 2.
Methods:
The study included 274 gymnasts, aged 11.8 ± 1.9 years. Data collection included anthropometric measures, Tanner stage, and menarche age; ultrasound assessments were used to assess bone properties, including bone strength, skeletal age, and final-height prediction.
Results:
Univariate analysis of variance showed age × discipline interactions for body mass index (BMI) percentiles (F(2, 266) = 4.379; P = 0.01), skeletal age (F(2, 241) = 3.808; P = 0.02), and final-height prediction (F(2, 240) = 3.377, P = 0.04). Moreover, in both age groups, artistic gymnasts exhibited significantly higher BMI percentiles than rhythmic gymnasts (P < 0.05). In the adolescent group, final-height prediction for rhythmic gymnasts was significantly greater than that of artistic gymnasts (P < 0.05). Finally, in adolescent gymnasts, regression lines showed that skeletal age was lower than chronological age (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Artistic gymnasts were shorter than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Despite similar BMI and body fat, maturity patterns, and training-volume history, artistic gymnasts had lower bone-strength than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Combined with their high-impact and intensive training, this could increase their risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Clinical Relevance:
The current study may help athletic trainers and medical teams define "norms" for different age groups and gymnastic disciplines, based on what may be expected during the athletes' early and late maturation. This knowledge can be used to modify, individualize, and optimize training programs.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Signs of Puberty
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
02:07Oogenesis