Malina, R. M. (1994). Physical activity and training: Effects on stature and the adolescent growth spurt. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26, 759-766.

It was found that habitual physical activity, sport participation, and training for sport had no effect on attained stature, timing of peak height velocity, and rate of growth in stature in boys and girls (drawn from the sports of swimming, track, and rowing). Among girls, there was no effect of training on the timing of menarche onset.

Implication. Sports and physical activity do not affect growth rates in boys and girls. However, some physical characteristics do steer individuals toward certain sports (e.g., small people opt for gymnastics).

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