Can intense exercise make you taller?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, whether intense exercise can increase height depends on whether the epiphyseal plates have closed. If the epiphyseal plates are still open, height increase is usually possible; however, once the bones have fused and the epiphyses are closed, further growth in height is not possible. For adolescents who are still in their developmental stage, the epiphyseal plates at the ends of the long bones have not yet fully closed. Intense exercise can stimulate the release of large amounts of growth hormone, which typically promotes height growth.
In general, whether intense exercise can increase height depends on whether the epiphyseal plates have closed. If the epiphyseal plates are still open, height increase is usually possible; however, once the bones have fused, further growth in height is unlikely. The specific analysis is as follows:
For adolescents who are still in their developmental stage, the epiphyseal plates at the ends of long bones have not yet fully closed. Intense exercise can stimulate the release of large amounts of growth hormone, which typically promotes height growth. However, it's important to avoid prolonged extreme exercise, as this may place excessive downward pressure on the epiphyseal plates, leading to physical overfatigue and potentially impairing growth.
For adults whose physical development is complete, the epiphyseal plates at the ends of long bones have already fully closed, so intense exercise generally does not result in increased height.
In daily life, it is recommended to engage appropriately in activities such as jumping, running, and swimming, which may support height growth.
