The influence of physical activity and sports about growth and maturation

The aim of this work was related to the influence of physical activity and sport in the growth and maturation. Physical activity and sports are shown as factors that interfere with bone development, since the bone mineral density is altered by endogenous and exogenous factors. The GH and IGF-I exert metabolic effects in the short and long term that are potentially important during physical activity (lipolysis, protein synthesis, musculoskeletal adaptations, changes in strength etc). The practiced of physical activity is recommended because of the possibility of enhancing peak of bone mass. Thus, the increase in lean body mass is the most important predictor for the accumulation of bone mineral mass during growth. The genetic potential for growth can be fully expressed only under favorable environmental conditions; it is known that moderate physical activity has beneficial effects on growth. In this manner, physical activity must have its volume controlled, since it must be taken into account information about the type of activity to be performed, interval etc, because if there is a threshold between time and type of practice with maturation this is highly individual. The physical activity should be encouraged, since there is a positive relationship with growth and bone density. However, new investigations should be carried out to check the relationship between different types of practice, volume and intensity of training with the maturation, growth and human development.