Physical activity in children and adolescents in relation to growth and development.
Physical activity during the growth period appears to be necessary for normal growth and development of the skeleton, musculature and oxygen-carrying organs. Compared with the adult, the child (in relation to body size) has poor maximal strength and low anaerobic capacity. Muscular endurance and aerobic performance are more comparable to what is found in adults, but even as regards these qualities the child is immature and not on the same level as the adult. The growth period appears to be particularly favourable for learning new movement patterns. In arranging training and competitive sport for children or growing adolescents, attention must be paid to their special physical qualifications and also to the need for versatility in the choice of exercise.
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000332:Aerobiosis; D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D001846:Bone Development; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011627:Puberty; D012119:Respiration