ABSTRACT
There are several differences between the physiological responses of children and adults to exercise. To succeed in developing the child athlete, particularly in preparation for an athletic career that extends to adulthood, one must recognize these differences. This review focuses on the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic characteristics during growth, children’s high metabolic cost of movement, faster recovery following exercise and deficient thermoregulatory capacity, as well on the trainability of their maximal aerobic power and muscle function. Practical recommendations, partially based on the above, are suggested.
