Epiphyseal plate (growth plate) fractures may be the key concern in this controversy.
Damage to these plates induced by weight training is frequently cited as a reason for avoiding
weight training in children. The existing medical and scientific data do not support this as a
valid contraindication. One instance of epiphyseal fracture attributed to weightlifting has been
reported in preadolescents (Gumbs, 1982). In pubescent athletes, five publications have
reported instances of fractures related to weight training (Benton, 1983; Brady, 1982; Gumbs,
1982; Rowe, 1979; Ryan, 1976). The overwhelming majority of these injuries were attributed
to improper technique in the execution of the exercises and excessive loading. Each report
failed to consider that the injury may actually have occurred as a result of contact with the
floor or other object subsequent to loss of balance and falling, and not be attributable to the
actual weight training movement. Further, proper diagnosis and treatment of this rare injury
resulted in no detrimental effect on growth (Caine, 1990).