Examining the growth and injury risks in young gymnasts

Growth Process and Development of Muscle, Bone, and Tendon in Correlation With Injuries in Young Gymnasts During Adolescence

University of Haifa · NCT06318325

This study looks at how the growth and training of young female gymnasts affects their risk of injuries over three years.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages9 Years to 16 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Haifa (other)
Locations1 site (Netanya)
Trial IDNCT06318325 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the anatomical and morphological changes in the musculoskeletal system of young female artistic and rhythmic gymnasts over three years. A total of 200 gymnasts will undergo biannual evaluations, including anthropometric measurements, muscle strength assessments, and ultrasound scans to monitor bone and tendon health. The study will also track training intensity and injury occurrences through monthly follow-ups with trainers. The goal is to understand how these factors influence injury risk during the critical period of pubertal growth.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young female gymnasts training at a competitive level, participating in at least 16 hours of training per week.

Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing injuries that cause pain or those who have missed training due to discomfort will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into injury prevention and optimal training practices for young gymnasts.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on injury risks in athletes, this specific focus on the musculoskeletal development of young gymnasts during puberty is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* training at least 4 times per week,
* a minimum of 16 hours per week, at a competitive level.
* The gymnasts exercised fully three months before the beginning of the study
* have not been absent more than three days from training due to pain, discomfort, or injury.

Exclusion Criteria:

* present injury causing pain
* missing training.

Where this trial is running

Netanya

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Development, Adolescent, musculoskeletal, menarche, athlete

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.