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Engaging in weight-bearing exercises before the epiphyseal plates close is important because it can help to promote the growth and development of strong, healthy bones. The epiphyseal plates are areas of growing bone tissue located at the ends of long bones in children and adolescents. These plates are responsible for bone growth and are made up of rapidly dividing cells that produce new bone tissue.
During weight-bearing exercises, such as running or jumping, the muscles and bones are subjected to mechanical stresses that stimulate the formation of new bone tissue. This process helps to increase bone density and strength, which is important for preventing conditions such as osteoporosis later in life.
Engaging in weight-bearing exercises during childhood and adolescence is particularly important because this is a period of rapid bone growth and development. Once the epiphyseal plates close, typically around the age of 18-25, bone growth is no longer possible, and it becomes more difficult to increase bone density and strength.
In addition to weight-bearing exercises, it is also important to ensure that children and adolescents are getting enough calcium and vitamin D, which are essential nutrients for bone health. A balanced diet that includes plenty of dairy products, leafy greens, and other calcium-rich foods can help to support bone growth and development, along with regular exercise.
