Controversies about intensive training in young athletes.

In the past few years increasing concern has been expressed about the possible harmful effects of intensive training in young athletes. In gymnastics, swimming, and tennis children in their early teens have already been undergoing intensive training and high level competition for some four or five years. Due to the increasing emphasis on competitive success it is widely believed that, in order to achieve a world class standard at senior level, it is necessary to commence intensive training well before puberty. This emphasis on early specialisation in a single sport with its accompanying intensive training and high level competition begs the following questions: have young children the physical, physiological, and psychological capabilities for intensive training and high level competition? Is there an increased risk of bony and soft tissues injuries in the developing musculoskeletal system? Physical and physiological effects