What potential issue can arise from heavy resistance training in early childhood?

Heavy resistance training in early childhood can lead to epiphyseal separations, which are injuries that occur at the growth plates located at the ends of long bones. During childhood, these growth plates are not fully developed and are more vulnerable to injury due to increased pressure or stress from excessive weight training. Epiphyseal separations can result in growth disturbances, leading to improper bone development or malalignment as the child continues to grow.

In contrast, while muscle tears and joint dislocations can occur in various contexts of physical training, they are not as directly associated with the unique anatomical vulnerabilities present in the growing child as epiphyseal separations. Similarly, poor motor skills are generally related to broader developmental factors rather than a specific consequence of heavy resistance training. Thus, the focus on epiphyseal separation highlights the critical need for careful consideration of exercise intensity and type during the developmental stages of childhood.