Key result
Higher maturity offset in youth triathletes linked to ~25% greater health problem severity per year.
Why the study?
To examine the health history, growth and maturation profiles, and current health status of youth triathletes prior to entry into a National Institute Network, and evaluate associations between growth, training load, and health problem severity.
Observational
Effect estimate: B = 0.23
p-value: PD = 0.98
Sex-based maturation differences and high illness/injury prevalence in youth triathletes highlight the need for tailored training and growth monitoring.
Maturity monitoring may aid risk stratification in youth triathletes; leaves open whether targeted interventions reduce health problems.
Purpose: To examine the health history, growth and maturation profiles, and current health status of youth triathletes prior to entry into a National Institute Network (NIN); and determine associations between growth, training load, and health problem severity to inform developmental training strategies. Methods: Youth triathletes (ages 12– 18) were monitored over one year. Data was collected on athletic health history, growth (height, weight, arm spam) and maturation (bone age (BA); peak height velocity (PHV), predicted adult height (PAH), PAH%). Over 10 weeks the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire (OSTRC-H2 questionnaire), training load and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded across triathlon disciplines. Results: Estimated PHV occurred later than population norms (Female 12.5 ± 0.7; Male 13.3 ± 0.6). Estimated BA exceeded chronological age (CA) in both sexes. Males showed higher height tempo ( B = 0.09, PD = 0.85), and arm span tempo than females ( B = 0.20, PD = 0.96). Higher maturity offset was associated with greater total health problem severity ( B = 0.23, PD = 0.98), reflecting a 25% increase per 1-year in maturity offset, and males typically had higher total severity ( B = 0.52, PD = 0.90). Illnesses (n = 22) exceeded injuries (n = 14) and resulted in more total time-loss (3 vs 2 weeks). Swimming had the highest training volume, 24% higher than the bike ( B = − 0.28, PD = 0.99) and 44% higher than the running ( B = − 0.58, PD = 1.00), although more lower limb injuries were reported. Conclusion: Sex-based maturation differences in youth triathletes require tailored training; high illness and injury prevalence identify the need for growth monitoring and balanced training to support long term athlete performance progression.
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Fitch et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Youth triathletes. Observational monitoring was evaluated on Total health problem severity associated with maturity offset (B = 0.23, p=PD = 0.98). Higher maturity offset in youth triathletes was associated with greater total health problem severity (B = 0.23, PD = 0.98), reflecting a 25% increase per 1-year in maturity offset.
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