Growth and maturity characteristics of schoolboy gymnasts

Anthropometric and pubertal status data have been collected on 99 schoolboy gymnasts. There are marked differences compared with standard percentile values for British children. This is most evident in the gymnasts' high biacromial diameters and low skinfold measurements. The anthropometric measurements are tabulated according to pubertal rating. The patterns of training are also presented. The atypical growth patterns of the gymnasts might have resulted from the intensive training requirements of the sport, but alternatively their particular physique may have favoured participation in gymnastics.