Is my child growing appropriately? |
Kids develop at different times for many different reasons. Here are a few:
Can you predict my child's height? Can you see if
things are "going ok" so far?
Can exercise change my child's height?
What are the risks and benefits of high level sport
concerning my adolescent child?
wellbody
Focused on the healthcare of athletes
started puberty is important. Medical: Some chronic illnesses (such as asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease) as well as abnormal levels of growth hormones or sex hormones (testosterone in males, estrogen in females) can be a determining factor of growth. The thyroid, adrenal gland, and pituitary gland are other important factors. Chromosome problems are less common but important reasons for poor growth- such as Turner syndrome in females. Nutrition: Calories in must be greater than calories out for the adolescent body to gain muscle and height. Athletes often eat TOO LITTLE to reach their true potential- athletically as well as medically. 1800-2200 calories (in one study) was thought to be needed for elite level gymnasts to protect bone health as well as overall growth. Stress: an illness, over-training, surgery, and emotional trauma are a few examples of factors that can affect IGF-1 (a growth hormone measured) |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tanner staging allows the doctor to access your child's maturation compared to other's their age. In girls, doctors may be concerned if breast development has not begun by age 14 and menses (periods) has not started by age 16. In boys maturation is judged by tanner staging as well. Although embarrassing, it is important for a doctor to survey an adolescent's "private parts" to give both the patient and parents accurate information. Tanner 1- infant to just before puberty begins Tanner 2- The beginning of puberty- typically around age 9-11 for girls and 11-13 for boys Tanner 3- Further along in puberty Tanner 4- Typically the greatest increase in height, the beginning of menses (periods) in girls Typically around the age of 12-15 in girls and 14-17 in boys Tanner 5- Adult appearance of body, growth plates close and adult height is reached ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An xray of your child's left hand and wrist can help determine if growth is normal compared to other children their age- this is called a "bone age" or "skeletal age". It is compared to their "chronological age" or "age in years". ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is a rough way of "guessing adult height": 1. [(mom's height in inches) + (dad's height in inches)] divided by 2= (n) 2. if your child is a boy and is currently above the 50% for age then predicted height is (n + 3 inches) boy and is currently below the 50% for age but above the 10% then (n + 1 inch) boy and is under the 10% then talk to your doctor girl and is currently above the 50% for age then predicted height is (n) girl and is currently below the 50% for age but above the 10% the (n - 2 inch) girl and is under the 10% then talk to your doctor *This is of course a very rough approximation and more accurate with a good physical (Tanner staging), a nutritional and medical history, and possibly a "bone age". |
exercise, especially around times of high growth potential (Tanner 3-4) Periods of rest (due to injury, vacation, travel, etc.) may allow for catch up growth. Exercise does not appear to alter growth, but the poor nutrition and eating habits seen in many high level athletes may alter growth as well as bone health. And finally, high level athletes reach their elite potential in sport because of their compact, strong body- and their athletic bias is due to genetics, rather than the sport causing their smaller size. In other words- tall people are good at basketball (rather than the sport causing them to become tall) and shorter people are good at gymnastics (rather than the sport "making them small") Regardless of the study, your child is an individual and each case should be looked at by a health care provider interested and knowledgeable about the growth and development of maturing athletes. |
| Benefits of Intense Gymnastics (impact sport) Impact sport increase bone density if combined with good nutrition and calcium intake Increased muscle response and coordination. Increased muscle mass after puberty begins. Team building, respect for yourself, coaches, the sport. An overall good "ego" Discipline, Learn time management to accomplish family, school, and sport activities. If competitive, may include travel, competition, scholarships |
| Benefits of Intense Swimming (non-impact) Cardiovascular health Increased muscle response and coordination. Increased muscle mass after puberty begins. Team building, respect for yourself, coaches, the sport. An overall good "ego" Discipline, Learn time management to accomplish family, school, and sport activities. If competitive, may include travel, competition, scholarships |
| Risks of Intense Gymnastics (impact sport) Impact sport has increased risk of acute injury such as ankle sprain, stress fractures, and overuse injuries Especially when combined with Over-training Poor nutrition- see Female Athlete Triad Poor calcium intake- see Calcium handout Some children handle the stress of high level sport well, while others have more trouble with Anxiety Headaches or stomachaches Vomiting |
| Risks of Intense Swimming (non-impact) Non-impact sport (by itself) has a risk of osteopenia (weak bones) and even osteoporosis- therefore swimmers should cross train with an impact sport such as running, dance, or tennis. Some children handle the stress of high level sport well, while others have more trouble with Anxiety Headaches or stomachaches Vomiting |
| A good history, Tanner staging, and occasionally a "bone age" and lab work can identify a simple delay in growth, completely normal development, and a child who may be having a problem with their growth or development. Consider nutrition, calcium intake, and resistance training (weight lifting and CORE training) as adjuncts to your child's sport's program. |
