Auswirkungen des hochleistungssports auf die pubertatsentwicklung von kunstturnerinnen und kunstturnern

Translated title of the contribution: Effects of high intensity training on pubertal development of female and male elite gymnasts

Edda Weimann, Cordelia Witzel, Susanne Schwidergall, H. J. Böhles

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

High impact training may influence the pubertal development of athletes. The effects of high intensity training on pubertal development of female and male elite gymnasts are presented. 22 female and 18 male elite gymnasts were enlisted in this study. Prepubertal and pubertal stages were determined and hormonal levels regarding the hypophyseal, gonadal and adrenal axes were measured. The LH/FSH ratio necessary for the advancement of full pubertal maturation was assessed at 13.9 and 13.0 years in female and male gymnasts, respectively. Female gymnasts demonstrated, on average, a delayed bone age of 1.7 years compared to their chronological age, whereas both bone and chronological age were identical in male gymnasts. There were no significant pubertal increase of estrogen levels in female gymnasts during their peripubertal development indicating a low amount of fat mass in female elite gymnasts. Intensive physical training of elite female gymnasts combined with inadequate nutritional intake markedly affect pubertal development. These peripubertal effects are not observable in male gymnasts due to different training regimes in male and female elite gymnasts. Regular monitoring of female gymnasts during their vulnerable growth phase is necessary to minimize life-long physiological and psychological side effects of high impact training.

Translated title of the contributionEffects of high intensity training on pubertal development of female and male elite gymnasts
Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)231-234
Number of pages4
JournalWiener Medizinische Wochenschrift
Volume148
Issue number10
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

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