Hello Xavier,

You can download my review on the subject "Strength training in children and adolescents: benefits and risks"

The answer is "yes". You may reffer to the classical Heuter-Volkmann principle:

"The rate of epiphyseal growth is affected by pressures applied to its axes: increased pressure inhibits growth; decreased pressure accelerates growth".

In my practice I have observed some weight-lifters - they are of low height and radiographically they have platyspondylia. Especially, those who have started training as pre-teenagers.

Dear Xavier,

I would add the results of our study with scoliosis in rhythmic gymnastics.

Specific overloading (symmetric or asymmetric) of the growing spine in children and pre-teens may affect the natural growth of epiphyseal plates.

Scoliosis in rhythmic gymnasts.

P I Tanchev, A D Dzherov, A D Parushev, D M Dikov, M B Todorov

Spine 07/2000; 25(11):1367-72.

ABSTRACT: An anamnestic, clinical, radiographic study of 100 girls actively engaged in rhythmic gymnastics was performed in an attempt to explain the higher incidence and the specific features of scoliosis in rhythmic gymnastic trainees. To analyze the anthropometry, the regimen of motion and dieting, the specificity of training in rhythmic gymnastics, and the growth and maturing of the trainees, and to outline the characteristics of the scoliotic curves observed. An etiologic hypothesis for this specific subgroup of scoliosis is proposed. The etiology of scoliosis remains unknown in most cases despite extensive research. In the current classifications, no separate type of sports-associated scoliosis is suggested. The examinations included anamnesis, weight and height measurements, growth and maturing data, eating regimen, general and back status, duration, intensity, and specific elements of rhythmic gymnastic training. Radiographs were taken in all the patients with suspected scoliosis. The results obtained were compared with the parameters of normal girls not involved in sports. A 10-fold higher incidence of scoliosis was found in rhythmic gymnastic trainees (12%) than in their normal coevals (1.1%). Delay in menarche and generalized joint laxity are common in rhythmic gymnastic trainees. The authors observed a significant physical loading with the persistently repeated asymmetric stress on the growing spine associated with the nature of rhythmic gymnastics. Some specific features of scoliosis related to rhythmic gymnastics were found also. This study identified a separate scoliotic entity associated with rhythmic gymnastics. The results strongly suggest the important etiologic role of a "dangerous triad": generalized joint laxity, delayed maturity, and asymmetric spinal loading.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine recent published a position statement that you may find of interest: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/7/498.abstract?sid=d857b5a0-07dc-455e-b52d-329a2839b7e3

Dear Xavier,

I would add some references that should avoid some myths about strength training of children. Lot of years many researchers try to solve this problem. There are lot of benefits and a few of risks, so that it is up to you ….

DOCHERTY D, WENGER H, COLLIS M, QUINNEY H. The effects of variable speed resistance training on strength development in prepubertal boys. J Human Movement Studies 1987; 13 (8): 377-82.

FAIGENBAUM A, KRAEMER W, CAHILL B, CHANDLER J, DZIADOS J, ELFRINK L, FORMAN E, GAUDIOSE M, MICHELI L, NITKA M, ROBERTS S. Youth resistance training: Position statement paper and literature review. Strength and Conditioning Journal 1996; 18 (6): 62-75.

FAIGENBAUM A, MICHELI L. Preseason conditioning for the preadolescent athlete. Pediatr Ann 2000; 29: 156-61.

FAIGENBAUM A, WESCOTT W. Strength and power for young athletes, Human Kinetics, Champain, 2000

FALK B, MOR G. The effects of resistance and martial arts training in 6 to 8 year old boys. Pediatr Exerc Sci 1996; 8 (1): 48-6.

FALK B, TENENBAUM G. The effectiveness of resistance training in children: A meta-analysis. Sports Med 1996; 22 (3): 176-86.

FLANAGAN S, LAUBACH L, DEMARCO G, ALVAREZ C, BORGERS S, DRESSMAN E, GORKA C, LAUER M, MCKELVY A, METZLER M, POEPPELMAN J, REDMOND C, RIGGENBACH M, TICHAR S, WALLIS K, WESELI D. Effects of two different strength training modes on motor perfomance in children. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 2002; 73 (3): 340-4.

GUY J, MICHELI L. Strength training for children and adolescents. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2001; 9 (1): 29-6.

HOLLOWAY J, BEUTER A, DUDA J. Self-efficacy and training in adolescent girls. J Appl Soc Psychol 1988; 18 (8): 699-19.

JEFFREY, A. et al. Training for children... J Am Acad Orthop Svrg, 2001, 9, s. 29 – 36.

KATO S, ISHIKO T. Obstructed growth of children´s bones due to excessive labor in remote corners. In: Kato S (Ed.). Proceedings of the International Congress of Sports Sciences. Tokyo: Japanese Union of Sports Science 1964: 476.

LILLEGART W, BROWN E, WILSON D, HENDERSON R, LEWIS E. Efficacy of strength training in prepubescent to early postpubescent males and females: Effects of gender and maturity. Pediatr Rehab 1997; 1 (3): 147-57.

MERSCH F, STOBOY H. Strength training und muscle hypertrophy in children. In: Oseid S, Carlsen K (Ed.). Children and Exercise XIII. Champaign: Human Kinetics 1989: 165-82.

MORRIS F, NAUGHTON G, GIBBS J, CARLSON J, WARK J. Prospective ten-month exercise intervention in premenarcheal girls. Positive effects on bone and lean mass. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 1997; 12: 1453-62.

RAMSAY J, BLIMKIE C, SMITH K, GARNER S, MACDOUGALL J, SALE D. Strength training effects in prepubescent boys. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1990; 22 (5): 605-14.

RISSER W. Weight training injuries in children and adolescents. Am Fam Phys 1991; 44 (6): 2104-10.

SADRES E, ELIAKIM A, CONSTANTINI N, LIDOR R, FALK B. The effect of long-term resistance training on anthropometric measures, muscle strength, and self-concept in pre-pubertal boys. Pediatr Exerc Sci 2001; 13: 357-72.

SALE D. Strength training in children. In: Gisolfi G, Lamb D (Ed.). Perspectives in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine. Indianapolis: Benchmark Press 1989: 165-216.

SHAIBI GQ, CRUZ ML, BAL GDC, WEIGENSBERG MJ, GALEM MJ, CRESPO MC, GORAN MJ. Effects of resistance training on insulin sensitivity in owerweight latino adolescents males. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006; 38:1208-1215.

SOTHERN M, LOFTIN J, UDALL J, SUSKIND R, EWIG T, TANG S, BLECKER U. Safety, feasibility and efficacy of a resistance training program in preadolescent obese youth. Am J Med Sci 2000; 319 (6): 370-5.

VRIJENS F. Muscle strength development in the pre-and post-pubescent age. Med Sport 1978; 11: 152-8.

WELTMAN A, JANNEY C, RIANS C, STRAND K, BERG B, TIPPIT S, WISE J, CAHILL B, KATCH F. The effects of hydraulic resistance strength training ind pre-pubertal males. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1986; 18 (6): 629-38.

WELTMAN A, JANNEY C, RIANS C, STRAND K, KATCH F. Effects of hydraulic-resistance strength training on serum lipid levels in prepubertal boys. American Journal of Diseases in Children 1987; 141 (7): 777-80.

There still seems to be a general misconception that resistance training for youth is unsafe and will cause issues with growth in the long term. However, this is INCORRECT.

Lloyd et al. (2013) produced an International Consensus on Youth performing resistance training, which was based on systematic reviewed evidence; this consensus statement stipulates:

"There is a high level of scientific evidence that supports regular participation in resistance training to reinforce positive health and fitness adaptations and sports performance enhancement in youth"

"Resistance training in youth is SAFE when appropriately prescribed and supervised."

Now some of you might be thinking, what about growth - is that affected?

"Fears that resistance training would injure the growth plates of youths are not supported by scientific reports or clinical observations, which indicate that the mechanical stress placed on the developing growth plates from resistance exercise, or high strain eliciting sports such as gymnastics or weightlifting, may be beneficial for bone formation and growth."

Reference:

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Lloyd, R.S., Faigenbaum, A.D., Stone, M.H., Oliver, J.L., Jeffreys, I., Moody, J.A., Brewer, C., Pierce, K.C., McCambridge, T.M., Howard, R., Herrington, L., Hainline, B., Micheli, L.J., Jaques, R., Kraemer, W.J., McBride, M.G., Best, T.M., Chu, D.A., Alvar, B.A. and Myer, G.D. (2013) ‘Position statement on youth resistance training: The 2014 international consensus’, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(7), pp. 498–505. doi: 10.1136/bjsports

Dr. Kyle Pierce from LSU-Shreveport and Dr. Avery Faigenbaum out of New Jersey would be two great resources for this sort of work.