Fitness in Children, Development of

Over the past 20 years, 2 clear trends have emerged that describe primary concerns with regard to [Page 465]physical activity, fitness, and children. First, the growing trend among children and adolescents to participate in organized and competitive sports has given rise to specialized treatment of the pediatric athlete with regard to injury prevention, treatment, and safety of sport participation. More opportunities exist for children and adolescents to specialize in 1 or 2 sports and to practice and compete year-round in these activities. Concern persists as to whether or not it is prudent for the developing body to undergo specific and repeated stress on the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems from a single sport activity. In contrast, we are also in the midst of an unprecedented trend ...