[Effects of sexual maturation on body composition, dermatoglyphics, somatotype and basic physical qualities of adolescents].

OBJECTIVES Describe the characteristics of body composition, somatotype, basic physical qualities, dermatoglyphics and bone age regarding sexual maturation stages of boys. METHODS A transversal study was carried out in 136 boys, between 10 and 14 years of age. Clinical assessment, physical examination and radiography of wrists and hands to calculate bone age were performed. RESULTS A tendency of increasing total body mass, stature, body mass index, body bone diameters and muscle circumferences and basic physical qualities was found with the advancing of puberty. No differences were found in dermatoglyphics and somatotype between different stages of puberty maturation. CONCLUSIONS Due to the changes in important parameters of physical training that occur during puberty, it can be concluded that the selection of children and adolescents for sport training and competitions should be based not only on chronological age but also, and mainly on sexual maturation, for better physical assessment and appropriate training for this population.