The purpose of this study was to assess difference of skeletal maturity, dietary intake and IGF-1 between male and female gymnasts aged 9-17 years. Findings: In accord with previous studies it was found that elite gymnasts exhibit a specific pattern of growth characterized by a marked delay in skeletal maturation. As we expected, male gymnasts had significantly higher mean energy, iron and zinc intakes than female gymnasts (p < 0.05). These data provide evidence that female gymnasts were aware of their daily body weight, took extreme care regarding low-caloric food products, were knowledgeable about the nutritional components of their daily diet. Although several studies have reported a marked decrease in serum IGF-1 relative to swimmers and members of a nonathletic control group, no detectable differences were found between the groups in the present study. Further studies are required to examine the long-term effects of gymnastics training on circulating growth factors.
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