Growth and Maturation of Adolescent Female Gymnasts, Swimmers, and Tennis Players

Intensive training at a young age may adversely affect the growth and sexual maturation of female athletes, resulting in compromised adult stature. Purpose: To compare the somatic growth, sexual maturation, and final adult height of elite adolescent female athletes. Methods: Serial measures of height, sitting height, and breast and pubic hair development were taken on 81 gymnasts, 60 swimmers, and 81 tennis players between 8 and 19 yr of age....