Hewett, T. E., Myer, G. D., & Ford, K. R. (2002). The influence of growth and pubertal maturation on neuromuscular performance in high-risk female athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 1384.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of puberty on the neuromuscular system of boys and girls. A literature analysis was performed.

A significant increase in strength, neuromuscular performance, and power occurs in adolescent boys within one year of peak velocity of growth in height and weight. No neuromuscular spurt occurs in adolescent females at the same growth period. For example, there is a significant correlation between standing long jump and vertical jump and chronological age in adolescent boys but none in girls.

Implication. Boys will continue to improve in techniques during adolescent growth. However, girls will show less improvement. It is necessary to concentrate on performance skills before and during puberty in girls to hedge against the limitations established by growth during adolescence.

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