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 ≤ 0.05) and %BF was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in athletes than in controls, but lean body mass was not significantly different between groups. Energy expenditure was negatively correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with %BF but not related to T. Developmental stages were strongly (P ≤ 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.