Abstract

In a longitudinal study lasting two years, 76 adolescent males aged 9-15 under moderate sports training of various types were examined. The boys were divided into three groups according to pubertal development stage at the start of the study (prepubertal, mid-pubertal, advanced pubertal stages). The height, weight, tricipital and subscapular folds and pubertal stages of the boys were checked after one and two years. The figures obtained were then expressed as standard Deviation Scores vis-a-vis the control figures. Bone age at the start and end of the study was also assessed on part of the group. The results show that the mean height of this group is SD + 1 above the mean score of the control group. The longitudinal development of the height and Height Velocity Standard Division Scores in the three groups can be explained as a difference in the chronology of pubertal development, since the study group developed faster than the control group. After two years, there was no difference in the bone age/chronological age ratio. Checks after one and two years showed significant increases in lean body mass especially among the pre-puberty and midpuberty groups. On the basis of these results it is concluded that the standard level of sport practiced by Italian adolescents can cause no negative effect on their growth or development, but does have the significant advantages of increasing lean body mass while reducing adipose body mass. Verf.-Referat