JMMBS
Journal of Movement Mechanics & Biomechanics Science
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Mismatch Between Physiological Readiness and Biomechanical Load Capacity During Adolescent Growth: An 18-Month Longitudinal Risk Analysis
Authors and Affiliations
Performance Technology Division, Eternal, San Rafael, California, USA.
0009-0001-9806-3506
0009-0001-9806-3506
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences. Kampala International University-Western Campus, Uganda
0000-0003-3256-5404
0000-0003-3256-5404
Dept. of Nutrition and Movement Sciences (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Netherlands.
0000-0002-7554-2475
0000-0002-7554-2475
Department of Sports Science, EfiCiencia & i3 Sport, Valencia, Spain.
0009-0009-2524-5227
0009-0009-2524-5227
Sports Science, Physical Education, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
0000-0003-1051-6978
0000-0003-1051-6978
Clinical Research Coordinator, MMSx Authority Institute, USA.
0009-0007-2279-9764
0009-0007-2279-9764
Abstract
Background: Adolescent athletes often display rapid improvements in physiological readiness—such as strength and power—without corresponding maturation of biomechanical load tolerance.
Methods: An 18-month longitudinal study of 32 adolescent athletes (age 12–17) used growth metrics and jump-landing tasks to calculate a "Readiness-Capacity Mismatch Index."
Results: Injury risk peaked when physiological outputs outpaced coordination and tissue adaptation. Athletes cleared by traditional tests but failing biomechanical criteria showed a 48% injury rate vs 31% in the concordant group (p < .001).
Conclusion: Relying heavily on physiological benchmarks for return-to-play is inadequate. Biomechanical screening is critical for preventing injuries during adolescent growth.
JMMBS ID: JMMBS-2026-002-MBPR-V2-I2
IMSO ID: IMSO-REG-20260219-RS-4230-MISMATCH
DOI: 10.66078/jmmbs.v2i2.002
License: CC BY 4.0 International
IMSO ID: IMSO-REG-20260219-RS-4230-MISMATCH
DOI: 10.66078/jmmbs.v2i2.002
License: CC BY 4.0 International
Fig 1. Injury incidence was highest in the Rapid growth velocity group.
Fig 2. Mismatch Index peaked at 12 months during peak growth spurt.
Fig 3. Mismatch Index was significantly higher in injured athletes.
Fig 4. Biomechanical control metrics declined during rapid growth periods.