Growth & Development / Question
Published: January 16, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Your site says: There is evidence that lifting heavy weights could speed up growth plate closure, which would stunt your growth. What evidence?
Signed: Growth Plate Closure Evidence
Dear Growth Plate Closure Evidence,
The evidence comes mostly of case reports where teenagers have been involved in lifting weights that are much too heavy or using improper technique. You have to understand that a teen is different than an adult. Prepubescent and adolescents, because their bones have not matured, are subject to a special group of injuries involving the growth centers of the bone.
There are technically two types of growth centers that are responsible for the growth of the bone, the epiphysis and apophysis. The epiphyses are located at the ends of bones. In children, the shaft of the bone and the epiphysis are separated by an epiphyseal cartilage or plate. This plate provides the means for the bone to increase in length. Since these epiphyses are mostly cartilage, the epiphyseal plates are vulnerable to the stresses and strains placed on them by repetitive activities. Once adulthood is reached and growth is completed, the epiphyseal plates fuse and are replaced by bone. It is prior to this fusing that damage can be done from weight lifting with improper technique or emphasis on maximum lifts.
There have been several reports of epiphyseal fractures in young weight lifters. Nearly all of these injuries resulted from poorly performed lifts at maximal or near maximal resistance. According to the American Academy Of Pediatrics, epiphyseal injuries are uncommon and are believed to be largely preventable by avoiding improper lifting techniques, maximum lifts and improperly supervised lifts. In general resistance exercises are safe and beneficial for adolescents and any potential risks are outweighed by the many proven benefits when proper form and supervision is utilized.
For a few good guidelines to follow if you are going to pump iron see TeenHealthFX's response to Weight Lifting & Stunted Growth - In Detail.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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