Biomechanical field test observations of gymnasts entering puberty

This study examined growth, maturation and biomechanical jumping ability in 19 subjunior gymnasts during one year of high performance training. Each sub-junior gymnast completed anthropometry, bone (pQCT), and biomechanical jumping tests, as well as Tanner surveys. Large increases in jumping power production were observed after one year of training. Leg stiffness doubled during the period of rapid height growth and then reduced closer to baseline levels six months later. Whereas ankle extensor stiffness increased more rapidly when height growth was slower, and leg stiffness was stabilising. This study demonstrated that high performance, sub-junior gymnastics training results in large improvements in jumping strength and power, but also identified potential signs of heighted injury risk.