MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY AND GROWTH With low or absent physical activity, muscle tissue becomes atrophic, and bone mineral content decreases. An increase in physical activity stimulates musculoskeletal growth and repetitive stress can stimulate positive adaptive responses in musculoskeletal structures. However, excessive stress or overload can lead to tissue breakdown and injury. To realize maximum gains, athletes must correctly identify and train just below the threshold for injury. Overuse injuries (tendinitis, apophysitis, stress fractures) can be consequences of excessive sports training in child and adult athletes. Certain aspects of the growing athlete may predispose the child and adolescent to repetitive stress injuries such as traction apophysitis (Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sever disease, medial epicondylitis [Little League elbow]), injuries to developing joint surfaces (osteochondritis dissecans), and/or injuries to the immature spine (spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, vertebral apophysitis).9 Because of the potential for long-term growth disturbances, injuries to epiphyseal growth centers are a particular concern for young athletes. Because the physeal plate may be weaker than surrounding ligamentous structures, external stress may disrupt a growth plate rather than damaging a ligament or related soft-tissue structure. Physeal fractures can result in growth arrest or deformity of long bones. Fortunately, there is no evidence that epiphyseal fractures or growth complications caused by epiphyseal injuries are seen disproportionately in children who participate in organized sports or higher levels of competition. The long-term effects of repetitive microtrauma to the epiphysis is still under investigation. Damage to the distal radial epiphysis with subsequent alterations in radial-ulnar growth has been described in highly competitive gymnasts.10 Epiphyseal injuries to the long bones of prepubertal children involved in distance running and other weight-bearing sports (that might potentially affect development of stature) have not been described. Similarly, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies describing growth in child athletes indicate that size and rate of growth of athletes are not negatively influenced by intensive training and competition.11 Short stature in gymnasts has been considered most likely a consequence of genetic and physique preselection rather than a result of training, although some have concluded that training starting before and maintained throughout puberty can alter growth rates.12     Sharp Labs brings the latest in bone and growth research to your desktop. Learn all about our growth plates and the facts about our epiphyseal plates and how we now better understand their function throughout our teen and adulthood years. See what our bones actually consist of and how they work. Our skeleton is a very complex array of bones, muscle, cartiliage, marrow and more. Enjoy the vast amount of information found here and the home of human growth and understanding www.growtall.com. Enjoy your stay! "Bone And Skeletal Alternative Supplementing" Brought To You By Sharp Labs Inc.™ Site Created 1994-Copyright© Sharp Labs Inc.™,U.S.A.- UPDATED WEEKLY "ALL RIGHTS RESERVED"