Search

Introduction: Undernutrition remains a leading cause of premature mortality among children in developing countries. Previous studies discussed that the risk of undernutrition elevated with child's age, stressing the need to address undernutrition in older children. Maternal factors also caused undernutrition through intergenerational transmission. However, data related to nutritional status of female children age >5 years in Indonesia are lacking. This study aimed to elucidate determinants associated with nutritional status among primary school girls in Surakarta. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. A total of 61 female students aged 6-9 years from Nur Hidayah Primary School Surakarta participated in this study. Data were collected through online questionnaire filled by parents who were directed to follow the procedures of anthropometric measurement at home. Zscore was calculated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Nutritional status of children was measured in weight-for-age and height-for-age. Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman's correlation and backward linear regression. Variables with p<0.05 from the final model were considered as the determinants. Results: Among study participants, 4.9% were underweight and 9.9% were stunted. Our study found one common determinant of nutritional status by weight-for-age and height-for-age, namely birth weight (p=0.027 and p=0.011 respectively). Maternal height was, in particular, associated with nutritional status by height-for-age (p=0.001). Conclusion: Birth weight was significantly associated with nutritional status by weightfor-age and height-for-age, while maternal height was significantly correlated with only nutritional status by height-for-age. Nutrition programs for female students such as school lunch and multivitamin supplementation could be implemented to prevent the intergenerational effects of stunting and underweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of syndromes that arising from muscle imbalances in the sagittal plane is lower crossed syndrome, and characterized by "crossed pattern" of postural dysfunction and lumbopelvic motion. The aim of this study is investigating the effects Janda's and Sahrmann's correcting exercise approaches on trunk muscles function in young girls with lower crossed syndrome. The present study was semi-experimental research with a pre-test and post-test design and a control group. The statistical sample of this research was 45 non-athletic young girls' students from 18 to 30 years old in the dormitories of Shahrekord University. They were randomly divided into three groups of 15 subjects of Janda's and Sahrmann's training group and the control group. The muscle function was evaluated with sit and reach test, McGill protocol, and Plank test. The training program consisted of eight weeks and three sessions per week. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 27 software and a one-way ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05. One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant difference among the groups for all variables after trainings (P= 0.01). The LSD post hoc test revealed that significant differences are between the control group and both training group in all variables (P= 0.01), also at sit and reach test and right-side plank test between Janda's approach and Sahrmann's approach corrective exercise groups (P= 0.04). Although stretching and strengthening trainings could be affect and retreat the muscular functions in musculoskeletal abnormalities like that lower crossed syndrome, further neuromuscular and sensorimotor trainings should be considered for better rehabilitation because of changes in muscles coordination and balance in abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secular trends in puberty refer to the changes observed over time in the onset and progression of puberty in populations. One of the most notable secular trends in recent years it is the declining age of puberty timing. The secular trend in early breast development (thelarche) refers to the observed phenomenon of girls entering puberty at progressively younger ages over successive generations. The aim of this study is to assess the breast development stages among girls, comparing four ethnicities in the northwestern part of North Macedonia. Material and methods: An assessment of breast development stages was conducted, which included the cross-sectional study evaluation of 480 sampled girls aged 6-13 years from four different ethnicities. Breast development was assessed using Tanner and Whitehouse method which categorizes breast development into five stages (B1 to B5) based on specific physical characteristics. Results: The prevalence of breast development stages according to age shows that B2 increased gradually from 2.6% at 6+ years to 8.0% at 7+, 13.5% at 8+, and 30.6% at 9+. The highest prevalence was observed at 10+ years with 43.1% and at 11+ years with 25.8%. The mean age of reaching breast development stage B2 in the entire sample of girls was 9.38 +/- 1.3 years. Among the four ethnicities, the lowest average age was observed among Roma girls (9.11 +/- 1.19 years), followed by Turkish girls (9.13 +/- 0.63 years), Macedonian girls (9.41 +/- 1.22 years), and Albanian girls (9.43 +/- 1.44 years). Conclusion: At our study the prevalence of stage B2 breast development at 6 and 7 years, is worth emphasizing because the occurrence of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 may indicate a possible sign of early onset of puberty. Early thelarche, occurring before the age of 8, has become a topic of interest due to its potential psychological, social, and long-term health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were two-fold: to analyse the perceptions of girls who have negative experiences of Physical Education (PE) and to compare this experience with their families' perspectives on the emotional implications of this in their daily lives. Seven girls in the final year of compulsory secondary education in Spain participated in the study. These participants were selected according to the criterion of having had negative experiences in PE classes. Their families also participated, specifically seven mothers and four fathers. A qualitative methodology was used, with interviews, personal diaries and discussion groups being the instruments used to collect data. There were three categories of results: a) the role that students assume in PE; b) motivation towards PE and c) frustrating experiences of PE. The girls expressed frustration at the impossibility of passing certain sports tests, referring to contempt, and underestimation, by both their peers and teachers. The subjects were clear that the fact that they were girls clearly undermined them in PE classes. The families told of how difficult it had been at times to live with this situation throughout the girls' school lives. This manuscript contributes to the existing literature on the subject, since, although gender has been addressed in terms of the experiences of girls in PE classes, this has not been complemented with the views of students' families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted on 2420 respondents, aged 6-14 years, in order to determine some anthropometric measures and to determine the growth and development trend of primary school students in the municipality of Strumica. Four anthropometric variables were used to determine the developmental trend of body growth: body height, body weight, seated body height, leg length, circumference of the upper arm and circumference of the thigh. In addition to the basic descriptive parameters for determining statistically significant differences at the univariate and multivariate levels, ANOVA and MANOVA were used. Based on the results of this research, using the body height, seated body height, leg length and body weight we can conclude that the growth is not linear in all age categories, but shows periods of faster and slower intensity and that it increases in students from year to year. In the applied variables body height, seated height, leg length and body weight, statistically significant differences were found in girls in most age categories. The highest increase in body height in girls is observed between 10 and 11 years, on average about 6.51 cm and between 12 and 13 years by about 6.04 cm. The largest increase in body weight in girls was registered between the ages 10 and 11 on average by about 5.94 kg and between the 11th and 12th years by 5,88 kg, while the largest increase in the circumference of the upper arm is observed between 10 and 11 years, and the largest increase of the circumference of the thigh is observed between 12 and 13 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten prepubertal girls and 15 young women were tested for maximal torque, peak rate of torque development, electro-mechanical delay (EMD), and time to peak rate of torque development during isometric elbow flexion. Absolute peak torque (17.0 ± 7.7 vs. 40.5 ± 8.3 Nm) and peak rate of torque development (105.9 ± 58.6 vs. 297.2 ± 113.0 Nm·s-1) were lower in the girls (p < .05). Normalized to muscle cross sectional area, torque was similar (8.27 ± 2.74 vs. 8.44 ± 1.65 Nm·s-2), as was peak rate of torque development, normalized to peak torque (6.21 ± 1.94 vs. 7.30 ± 2.26 Nm·s-1/Nm). Both, time to peak rate of torque development (123.8 ± 36.0 vs. 110.5 ± 52.6 ms) and EMD (73.2 ± 28.6 vs. 51.9 ± 25.6 ms), were longer in the girls, although EMD's difference only approached statistical significance (p = .06). Age-related isometric strength differences in females appear to be mainly muscle-size dependent. However, the time to peak torque and EMD findings suggest differential motor-unit activation which may functionally manifest itself in fast dynamic contractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess dietary intake and body composition of prepubescent girls competing in 3 aesthetic sports (artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and ballet). Because physiological demands of ballet training are similar to those in other aesthetic sports, ballet dancers were, for the purpose of this study, regarded as athletes. The sample consisted of 39 athletes (median age, 11 years, range 9-13) and 15 controls (median age, 11 years, range 10-12). Dietary intake was assessed using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and body composition, by means of anthropometry. There was no significant difference in total energy intake between groups, but there was a significant difference in energy substrate distribution. Artistic gymnasts reported significantly higher carbohydrate and lower fat contribution to total energy (57% ± 6% and 29% ± 5%, respectively) than rhythmic gymnasts (48% ± 6% and 36% ± 5%), ballet dancers (51% ± 4% and 34% ± 3%), or controls (51% ± 5% and 34% ± 4%). Relative to body weight, artistic gymnasts reported higher intake of carbohydrates (9.1 ± 4.2 g/kg) than rhythmic gymnasts (5.6 ± 3.1 g/kg), ballet dancers (6.6 ± 2.5 g/kg), or controls (5.4 ± 1.9 g/kg). Artistic gymnasts also had the lowest body-fat percentage among the groups. In all the groups mean reported daily intakes of most nutrients were higher than the current daily recommended intakes. The exceptions were dietary fiber and calcium. The proportion of athletes with an inadequate reported intake was highest for phosphorus (33%), followed by vitamin A and niacin (18%) and zinc (13%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have explored osteogenic potential of prepubertal populations. We conducted a 28-week school-based exercise trial of single-leg drop-landing exercise with 42 prepubertal girls (6 to 10 yrs) randomly assigned to control (C), low-drop (LD) or high-drop (HD) exercise groups. The latter two groups performed single-leg drop-landings (3 sessions/wk-1 and 50 landings/session-1) from 14cm(LD) and 28cm(HD) using the nondominant leg. Osteogenic responses were assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Single-leg peak ground-reaction impact forces (PGRIF) in a subsample ranged from 2.5 to 4.4 × body-weight (BW). No differences (p > .05) were observed among groups at baseline for age, stature, lean tissue mass (LTM), leisure time physical activity, or average daily calcium intake. After adjusting for covariates of body mass, fat mass and LTM, no differences were found in bone mineral measures or site-specific bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and lower leg among exercise or control groups. Combining data from both exercise groups failed to produce differences in bone properties when compared with the control group. No changes were apparent for between-leg differences from baseline to posttraining. In contrast to some reports, our findings suggest that strictly controlled unimodal, unidirectional single-leg drop-landing exercises involving low-moderate peak ground-reaction impact forces are not osteogenic in the developing prepubertal female skeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between pubertal onset and tempo and pubertal growth is controversial. We hypothesized that the age at onset of girls' puberty predicts pubertal tempo and the rate of pubertal progression. Methods: We analyzed the data of 380 girls from the prospective Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) who were recruited in the USA from 1991 to 2006 and followed from birth to age 15.5 years. We used the following indicators: thelarche age (Tanner stage B2), pubarche age (P2), menarche age (M), the age when breast (B5) and pubic hair (P5) became fully mature, pubertal growth, pubertal duration (time from B2 to B5) and pubertal progression (time from B2 to M). We clustered the girls according to B2 age into early onset (EO; <9.4 years), intermediate (IO; 9.4-10.5 years), late onset (LO; >10.5 years). Results: All indicators of pubertal onset and conclusion occurred earlier in the EOs than in the LOs; yet, the differences in the age at main pubertal milestones lessened as puberty progressed: 2 years for B2; -1.4 years for M; -1 year for B5. In EOs, puberty was 1 year (average) longer than in LOs. Although EOs grew 7 cm (average) more than LOs, their heights at B5 were comparable. There was a significant relationship between the thelarche age and puberty tempo (r = 0.23, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The study highlights the predictive nature of variation in the onset age of puberty on its progression and duration. These results are reassuring in this context and will add to clinicians' and parental understanding of the expected milestones of puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity during preschool age promotes sports learning and the acquisition of fundamental and complex movement skills. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of three different four-month physical and/or pre-sport activity programmes on preschool children’s motor proficiency. Twenty-five girls, aged between four and six years, were involved in the study, 10 practising physical activity, six practising dance (classical), nine practising swimming. Girls’ motor proficiency was assessed before and after the intervention period by means of the BOT-2 Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-2 SF). Differential effects of interventions emerged in fine manual control and coordination and in running speed and agility. A playful and highly varied physical activity intervention conducted by a specialized teacher was more effective for the development of preschool girls’ motor proficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The author draws on the ideas of counter‐storytelling and critical race methodology to examine the ways that urban, racially minoritized middle school girls create hope in sports and physical activity contexts. Although the passage of Title IX has brought more equal opportunities for many women and girls in sports, racially minoritized female athletes continue to feel opposition to their participation in sports and physical activity. This article identifies how middle school girls use critical counter‐storytelling to name narratives that others hold about them that impact their ability to participate in sports. The author highlights how, when given the opportunity, middle school girls can encourage one another to name and speak back to negative narratives. The author also offers suggestions for how educators might create space to hear the voices of racially minoritized girls in the curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The anterior cruciate ligament is loaded through valgus moment, vertical ground reaction force, and internal rotation moment. The aim of this study was to compare the timing of force peaks during early stance between youth girls and boys.Methods: One-hundred and twenty-nine team sport athletes aged 9-12 completed a total of 2540 cutting maneuvers captured with an 8-camera motion capture system. Timing of early force peaks was analyzed within 100 ms after ground contact.Results: Genders showed different mean (95% CI) time to peak valgus-(32 ms (30-33 ms) vs 37 ms (36-38 ms), P < 0.001) and time to peak internal rotation moments (36 ms (35-37 ms) vs 38 ms (37-39 ms), P = 0.029) but not time to peak vertical ground reaction force [38 ms (37-40 ms) vs 37 ms (36-38 ms, n.s.)]. Girls showed a smaller time between vertical ground reaction force and valgus moment peaks (mean (95% CI) of 1 ms (1-2 ms) vs 7 ms (5-9 ms), P < 0.001), and valgus- and internal rotation moment peaks (0 ms (- 2 to 1.0 ms) vs - 5 ms (- 6 to - 3 ms), P = 0.0003) but not between internal rotation moment and vertical ground reaction force.Conclusions: Concurrent force peaks are more common for girls compared with boys, leading to more frequent multi-planar loading of the knee. Timing may explain sex-dependent risk of ACL injuries. Exposure to repeated cutting movements may result in greater ACL injury risk due to timing of knee forces as well as magnitude. Such exposure should be minimized for at-risk athletes.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several multi-segment foot models (MFMs) have been introduced for in vivo analyses of dynamic foot kinematics. However, the normal gait patterns of healthy children and adolescents remain uncharacterized. We sought to determine normal foot kinematics according to age in clinically normal female children and adolescents using a Foot 3D model.Methods: Fifty-eight girls (age 7-17 years) with normal function and without radiographic abnormalities were tested. Three representative strides from five separate trials were analyzed. Kinematic data of foot segment motion were tracked and evaluated using an MFM with a 15-marker set (Foot 3D model). As controls, 50 symptom-free female adults (20-35 years old) were analyzed.Results: In the hindfoot kinematic analysis, plantar flexion motion in the pre-swing phase was significantly greater in girls aged 11 years or older than in girls aged <11 years, thereby resulting in a larger sagittal range of motion. Coronal plane hindfoot motion exhibited pronation, whereas transverse plane hindfoot motion exhibited increased internal rotation in girls aged <11 years. Hallux valgus angles increased significantly in girls aged 11 years or older. The foot progression angle showed mildly increased internal rotation in the loading response phase and the swing phase in girls aged <11 years old.Conclusion: The patterns of inter-segment foot motion in girls aged 11 years or older showed low-arch kinematic characteristics, whereas those in girls aged 11 years or older were more similar to the patterns in young adult women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anthropometric models remain appropriate alternatives to estimate body composition of peripubertal populations. However, these traditional models do not consider other body components that undergo major changes during peripubertal growth spurt, with restrictions to a multicompartimental approach as a quantitative growth. DXA has great potential to determine pediatric body composition in more than one component (3-C), but has limited use in field settings. Thus, the aim of this study was to propose and validate an anthropometric model for simultaneous estimation of lean soft tissue (LST), bone mineral content (BMC) and fat mass (FM) in healthy girls, from a multivariate approach of densitometric technique, as the criterion method. Methods: A sample of 84 Brazilian girls (7-17 years) was defined by chronological age and maturity offset. Whole total and regional DXA body scan were performed and, the components were defined (LST, BMC and FM) and considered as dependent variables. Twenty-one anthropometric measures were recorded as independent variables. From a multivariate regression, an anthropometric multicompartmental model was obtained. Results: It was possible to predict DXA body components with only four predictive measurements: body weight (BW); supra-iliac skinfold (SiSk); horizontal abdominal skinfold (HaSk) and contracted arm circumference (CaCi) with high coefficients of determination and low estimation errors (LST = 0.6662657 BW - 0. 2157279 SiSk - 0.2069373 HaSk + 0.3411678 CaCi - 1.8504187; BMC = 0.0222185 BW - 0.1001097 SiSk - 0.0064539 HaSk - 0.0084785 CaCi + 0.3733974 and FM = 0.3645630 BW + 0.1000325 SiSk - 0.2888978 HaSk - 0.4752146 CaCi + 2.8461916). The cross-validation was confirmed through the sum of squares of residuals (PRESS) method, presenting accurate coefficients (QPRESS² from 0.81 to 0.93) and reduced error reliability (SPRESS from 0.01 to 0.30). Conclusions: When sophisticated instruments are not available, this model provides valid estimates of multicompartmental body of girls in healthy Brazilian pediatric populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare serum leptin, kisspeptin, total adiponectin, high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels between girls with central precocious puberty (CPP; n=26, 7-9.5 years old) and age-matched controls (n=29) including or excluding obese girls. Leptin and NPY levels were comparable between CPP and control girls. Kisspeptin levels were lower in the CPP than control group, and were positively correlated with oestrogen in the control group and with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the CPP group. Kisspeptin levels were negatively correlated with FSH and LH in the CPP group. Total adiponectin levels were lower in CPP than control girls, and were negatively correlated with Tanner stage and body mass index, but positively correlated with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index in the control group. HMW adiponectin was higher in the CPP than control group, and was positively correlated with Tanner stage and LH in all girls. Total adiponectin had a strong positive correlation with HMW adiponectin in the CPP group (r=0.915) compared with the control group (r=0.371). In conclusion, kisspeptin may be associated with increased oestrogen in prepubertal girls, but with increased blood pressure in girls with CPP. In girls entering puberty, HMW adiponectin was increased and associated with reproductive parameters. Based on these observations, HMW adiponectin probably plays an essential role in the initiation of puberty and is a candidate marker for the prediction of CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Physique and body composition are often explored in sport-related research. This is due to the fact that morphological features can be useful for determining a person's predispositions for practising a given type of physical activity. Dance, as any other sports discipline, has an impact on the physique and motor skills of those who practise it. Most research concerning the physique and body composition of dancers conducted so far has focused on persons practising ballet or competitive ballroom dancing. Investigating these issues in contemporary dancers is a new field of study. The aim of the current study was to examine the physique and body composition of girls aged 14-17 years practising contemporary dance. Material and methods. The study involved 23 girls who trained contemporary dance twice a week for 2 hours. The participants of the study had been training since the age of six. Basic anthropometric measurements were performed. Body composition was analysed based on parameters measured using a Tanita body composition analyser. Conclusions. The analysis found that girls training contemporary dance were characterised by a leptosomatic physique. BMI values in both younger and older contemporary dancers indicated that their weight was normal. Compared to girls who did not practise any particular type of sport, contemporary dancers had a lower weight, a lower body water percentage, and a lower body fat percentage. The dancers were also characterised by a greater circumference of the waist, hips, arm, and chest compared to untrained peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The girl child's transition from childhood to adulthood, Dipo, is of prime importance in the development of the Krobo community of Ghana. The transition acknowledges the part women play in the welfare of society; hence the performance of elaborate puberty rites for girls. The performance of Dipo puberty rites is therefore regarded as a means of unifying teenage women in their social role and integrating the arts of the Krobo people. Furthermore, it reveals the significance of these different art forms in the life of the Krobo people and in Dipo performance in particular. The problem, however, is that although there are several artistic elements embedded in the performance of Dipo, they have not been documented as art forms; nor have they constituteded a site for critical discussion and appraisal of Ghanaian performing arts. Early historical and anthropological scholarship on Dipo almost completely overlooks these artistic elements. This essay responds to this critical gap by situating Dipo in the context of these artifacts as displayed in multiple phases of ritual 'installation' performance. This essay also identifies and examines the specific artistic elements featuring in the rite in order to highlight their embeddedness in and significance to the Krobo people, and, by extension, Ghana. The artistic elements in Dipo include ritualized visual, verbal, body, and theatrical elements, all of which are active and inseparable in the rites. As such, these art forms are analysed and discussed by means of figures and plates, which confirm visually their existence, aesthetic significance, and cultural value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The instability resistance training (BOSU ball) program could provide greater training adaptations through predominant neural adaptations in the early period of a training program. The use of unstable training environments has been purported to enhance movement specific effects through increased activation of stabilizers and core muscles. The purpose of the present investigation was to describe the effects of ten weeks of instability resistance training (BOSU ball) on muscular balance and the learning level of fencing basics. Methods. 30 female students from faculty of physical education for girls (age 17.8 +/- 1.9 years) participated in this study. The sample was distributed equally into two groups, the experimental group contains (15 female students) and the control group contains (15 female students), the experimental group participated in the (BOSU ball) program for 10 weeks and the control group participated in the traditional program that used in the faculty. All participants completed the tests before and after the 10-week programs. Results. The data revealed that significant improvement in balance and learning level of fencing basics. Conclusions. The findings indicated that the (BOSU ball) exercises for 10 weeks could an increase in balance (static and dynamic) and improvement of the performance level of the fencing basics. These results have to be taken into account by teachers in order to better understand and implicated of these concepts in educational lessons [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Urban minority girls are at risk for summertime weight gain, and may also experience insufficient summertime sleep. Few studies have objectively measured sleep in this population or examined correlates, including physical activity (PA). This study is the first to objectively describe summertime sleep among urban minority girls.Methods: Data were collected at a community-based summer program that promoted PA (n = 60 girls, ages 10-14 years), at two time points: before beginning programming (T1; unstructured context) and during the final week of programming (T2; structured context).Results: At both time points, participants experienced shorter nighttime sleep than the recommended amount for girls their age. African American girls recorded significantly less sleep than Latina girls in the unstructured context. Findings also suggest that sleep schedules have an influential role in youths' abilities to obtain adequate sleep.Conclusion: Overall, summertime sleep is an understudied health behavior that may be important to consider among minority youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual variability in human gender-related behaviour is influenced by many factors, including androgen exposure prenatally, as well as selfsocialization and socialization by others postnatally. Many studies have looked at these types of influences in isolation, but little is known about how they work together. Here, we report that girls exposed to high concentrations of androgens prenatally, because they have the genetic condition congenital adrenal hyperplasia, show changes in processes related to selfsocialization of gender-related behaviour. Specifically, they are less responsive than other girls to information that particular objects are for girls and they show reduced imitation of female models choosing particular objects. These findings suggest that prenatal androgen exposure may influence subsequent gender-related behaviours, including object (toy) choices, in part by changing processes involved in the self-socialization of gendered behaviour, rather than only by inducing permanent changes in the brain during early development. In addition, the findings suggest that some of the behavioural effects of prenatal androgen exposure might be subject to alteration by postnatal socialization processes. The findings also suggest a previously unknown influence of early androgen exposure on later processes involved in self-socialization of gender-related behaviour, and thus expand understanding of the developmental systems regulating human gender development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As adolescence is often the first time a woman will see a gynecologist, it is important for health care providers to understand and be capable of explaining the changes that occur to a young woman during these years. Many adolescents and their caretakers who seek gynecologic care for what they consider vulvovaginal abnormalities may be misinterpreting completely normal changes; education and reassurance are the best treatment in these cases. Most medical literature on vulvovaginal health focuses on abnormalities and there is a paucity of information on what is considered “normal.” This goal of this review is to describe normal anatomic and physiologic vulvovaginal changes that occur during the adolescent years, as well as to offer advice on how to educate and reassure young women during this vulnerable time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Facial appearance and speech outcome may affect psychosocial functioning in girls and boys. Several studies reported dissatisfaction with facial appearance and more specifically the lip and mouth profile in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The purpose of this controlled study was to measure the tongue and lip strength and endurance in boys and girls with CLP. Methods Twenty-five subjects (mean age: 10.6 years) with a unilateral CLP and a gender- and age- matched control group were selected. All subjects with an unilateral CLP consulted the same craniofacial team and had undergone an identical surgical procedure. Surgical procedure of the lip was performed using a modified Millard technique without primary nose correction at an average age of 5.5 months. The Iowa Oral Performance instrument was used to measure lip and tongue strength and tongue endurance. Results The results of the Iowa Oral Performance measurement showed no significant differences between the subjects with an unilateral cleft lip and palate and the age and gender matched control group without a cleft lip and palate. Conclusion There is no significant differences regarding oral strength more specifically the lip and tongue strength and endurance between subjects with and without an unilateral cleft lip and palate. ENT specialists and speech pathologists must be aware of this aspect of the normal lip and tongue functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This is the first study to support hypoarousal in girls with AD/HD. [•] A positive correlation found between SCL and alpha in AD/HD girls implies an anomalous arousal mechanism. [•] This study also explores intriguing relationships between physiology and symptom behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background GoGirlGo! (GGG) is designed to increase girls' physical activity (PA) using a health behavior and PA-based curriculum and is widely available for free to afterschool programs across the nation. However, GGG has not been formally evaluated. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the GGG curricula to improve PA, and selfefficacy for and enjoyment of PA in elementary aged girls (i.e., 5-13 years). Methods Nine afterschool programs were recruited to participate in the pilot (within subjects repeated measures design). GGG is a 12-week program, with a once a week, one-hour lesson 30 minutes of education and 30 minutes of PA). Data collection occurred at baseline, mid (twice), post, and at follow-up (3-months after the intervention ended). PA was assessed via accelerometry at each time point. Self-efficacy for and enjoyment of PA was measured using the Self-Efficacy Scale and the Short-PA enjoyment scale and was assessed at baseline, post, and follow-up. Fidelity was assessed at midpoint. Results Across all age groups there was a statistically significant increase in PA. Overall, on days GGG was offered girls accumulated an average of 11 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA compared to 8 minutes during non-GGG days. There was a statistically significant difference in girls' self-efficacy for PA reported between baseline and post, which was maintained at follow-up. An improvement in enjoyment of PA for girls was found between baseline and follow-up. According to fidelity assessment, 89% of the activities within the curriculum were completed each lesson. Girls appeared to respond well to the curriculum but girls 5-7 years had difficulties paying attention and understanding discussion questions. Conclusions Even though there were statistically significant differences in self-efficacy for PA and enjoyment of PA, minimal increases in girls' PA were observed. GGG curricula improvements are warranted. Future GGG programming should explore offering GGG every day, modifying activities so that they are moderate-to-vigorous in intensity, and providing additional trainings that allow staff to better implement PA and improve behavior management techniques. With modifications, GGG could provide a promising no-cost curriculum that afterschool programs may implement to help girls achieve recommendations for PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Homo Sporticus is the property of University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Sport & Physical Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The question of whether or not children, particularly girls, are entering puberty earlier than they did in the past has been a concern in both the medical community and the general population. A secular trend analysis of the current data on pubertal timing in boys and girls is limited by variations in the study design, the population assessed, and the methods used to determine pubertal development. These differences present a challenge when interpreting the available data, especially when comparing multiple studies. The influence of race on pubertal timing and development had not been assessed before the 1970s. The purpose of this article is to review the reported variations in pubertal timing among different racial/ethnic groups. Data suggest African American girls enter puberty earlier and reach menarche earlier than Caucasian and Hispanic girls. In addition, the trend toward earlier timing of puberty seems to be occurring faster in African American girls compared with Caucasian girls over the past 25 years. While the mechanism and understanding of the cause of racial disparities in pubertal development remain to be discerned, genetic and/or environmental factors may play a role and require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puberty is the gradual transition period between childhood and adulthood. Many factors may contribute to the onset of puberty. The objective of the study was to determine the age of onset of secondary pubertal characteristics among Saudi Arabian girls. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a cluster sample design. Seven hundred and twenty-five schoolgirls between the ages of 6 and 16 years from diverse socioeconomic levels were included. During physical examinations, the height and weight of the girls were recorded, and the stages of breast and pubic hair development were determined according to Tanner stages; axillary hair development was determined according to modified stages. The median age at Tanner stage 2 for breast and pubic hair development was 10 years. The median age at stage 2 in modified scales for axillary hair development was 12 years. In conclusion, the median age of the onset of breast development at Tanner stage 2 for Saudi girls in Riyadh is lower than what has been reported in some countries in Europe, South Africa, Turkey and India but similar to girls in Hong Kong, China and white girls in the USA, which may support secular trends of an earlier onset of puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity among urban girls of low socioeconomic status is both a challenge and a public health priority. Physical activity interventions targeting exclusively girls remain limited, and maintenance of moderate to vigorous physical activity during the post-intervention period has been difficult to maintain. The main aim of the 5-year "Girls on the Move" group randomized trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive school-based intervention in increasing girls' minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity and improving cardiovascular fitness, body mass index, and percent body fat immediately post-intervention (after 17 weeks) and at 9-month post-intervention follow-up (9 months after end of intervention). Methods/Design: A total of 24 urban middle schools in the Midwestern U.S. will be randomized to either receive the intervention or serve as a control (N = 1200 girls). The intervention, based on the Health Promotion Model and Self-Determination Theory, will include: (1) two face-to-face motivational, individually tailored counseling sessions with a registered nurse, one at the beginning and the other at the end of the intervention period; (2) an interactive Internet-based session during which each girl receives individually tailored motivational and feedback messages via iPad at 11 weeks (shortly after midpoint of intervention); and (3) a 90-minute after-school physical activity club. Racially diverse, low-active, 10- to 14-year-old 5th to 8th-grade girls will complete questionnaires and physical measures at baseline and post-intervention (n = 50 per school). Minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity will be assessed with accelerometers. Cardiovascular fitness will be assessed by estimating VO2 max with PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) scores. Height and weight will be assessed to calculate body mass index. Percent body fat will be estimated with a foot-to-foot bioelectric impedance scale. Linear mixed effects regression analyses will be performed to assess intervention effects. Discussion: This multi-component approach is expected to improve girls' moderate to vigorous physical activity and related physical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the effects of static stretching exercises and gender on the short-distance flutter kicking swimming time of child swimmers. The study states that the distances flutter kicking swim times were not different between the no stretch and stretch conditions between boys and girls. The study also mentions static exercises do not have effect on the kickboard flutter kicking swimming time.

Abstract: Several studies have noted contemporary girls are undergoing pubertal maturation at younger ages. During this same time period many Western nations have experienced an obesity epidemic, prompting investigators and public health officials to consider the association of these 2 events, and if other exposures might impact this relationship. There are several potential mechanisms that could impact the relationship of pubertal timing in girls with greater body mass, including direct effects of obesity on pubertal timing as well underlying exposures that impact body mass as well as timing of pubertal maturation. These underlying conditions include chemical compounds that could impact synthesis or action of sex hormones, called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDs). We examine the decline in the age of breast development and potential genetic and environmental influences, the obesity epidemic in the US and other nations, and potential mechanisms to explain the relationship between greater body mass index with earlier puberty in girls. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Children of depressed parents are significantly more likely to develop depression and other mental health disorders than are children of never-depressed parents. Investigations of the physiological mechanisms underlying this elevated risk have generally focused on basal functioning. It is important to note, however, that physiological reactivity or responses to stress are also critical determinants of mental and physical health. In the current study, we examined whether children of depressed parents exhibit altered physiological responses to stress. In two studies, never-depressed adolescent daughters of either recurrently depressed mothers (RISK) or never-depressed mothers (CTL) underwent social stressors while their physiological responses were measured (cortisol in Study 1, heart rate in Study 2). In both studies, affective responses to the stressors predicted physiological responses in RISK girls, but not in never-depressed girls. For RISK girls, decreased positive affect in response to stress predicted increased cortisol reactivity; in addition, decreased positive affect and increased negative affect were associated with poorer heart rate recovery and habituation, respectively. Future research is needed to examine explicitly whether this coherence between affect and physiology is a mechanism underlying the increased risk for psychopathology in children of depressed parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The chemical composition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment is not uniform throughout the world, and these contaminants contain many structurally different lipophilic compounds. In a well-defined study cohort in the Slovak Republic, the POP chemicals present in the peripheral blood of exposed children were chemically analyzed. The chemical analysis data revealed that the relative concentration and profile of structurally different organic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 2,2′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), 2,2′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloro-ethane (p,p′-DDT), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), may vary from individual to individual, even within the same exposure area. These chemicals can be broadly classified into two groups. The first group, the PCB congeners, primarily originated from industrial compounds and their byproducts. The second group of compounds originated from or was commonly used in the agricultural sector (e.g., DDT, HCB). The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the two POP exposure profiles on gene expression. For the study population, we selected pre-pubertal girls (mean age of 46.2±1.4months) with high POP concentrations in their blood (>75% tile of total POP) and classified them in the high ‘PCB’ group when the total PCB concentration was significantly higher than the total concentration of other POP components and in the ‘Other Than PCB’ (OTP) group, when the total PCB concentration was significantly lower than the concentration of the other major POP constituents. A matched control group of girls (<25% tile of total POP) was selected for comparison purpose (n=5 per group). Our aims were to determine whether there were any common effects of high POP exposure at a toxicogenomic level and to investigate how exposure may affect physiological functions of the children in two different exposure scenarios. Global gene expression analysis using a microarray (Affymetrix Gene Chip Human genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array) platform was conducted on the total RNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the girls. The results were analyzed by Partek GS, Louis, MI, which identified twelve genes (ATAD2B, BIVM, CD96, CXorf39, CYTH1 ETNK1, FAM13A, HIRA, INO80B, ODG1, RAD23B, and TSGA14) and two unidentified probe sets, as regulated differentially in both the PCB and OTP groups against the control group. The qRT-PCR method was used to validate the microarray results. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software package identified the possible molecular impairments and disease risks associated with each gene set. Connective tissue disorders, genetic disorders, skeletal muscular disorders and neurological diseases were associated with the 12 common genes. The data therefore identified the potential molecular effects of POP exposure on a genomic level. This report underscores the importance of further study to validate the results in a random population and to evaluate the use of the identified genes as biomarkers for POP exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A conference paper about the physical and psychosocial complications of obese adolescents as illustrated by the case of a 14-year-old girl with a body mass index of 40, is presented. It assesses the effectiveness of pediatric obesity treatment and describes novel strategies to alter energy balance. It also explains the important role that parents should play on weight behaviors of their adolescents. In addition, it details behaviors that may promote successful long-term weight management.

Objective: The mainstay of distinction between prepubertal girls and girls who are suspected of having central precocious puberty (CPP) is based on gonadotropin measurements after a GnRH stimulation test to evaluate hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis maturity. The objective of this study was to determine whether a single basal gonadotropin measurement carries a useful predictive value in verifying or refuting the diagnosis of CPP. Design and methods: Basal serum LH and FSH were measured by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay in a cohort of girls who had been evaluated for CPP before and after GnRH stimulation test. Peak LH levels higher than 5 IU/l were considered a pubertal response. Results: Eighty girls with suspected breast development before 8 years of age were enrolled to the study, out of whom 42 had CPP. Low basal serum LH (≤0.1 IU/l) was sufficient to rule out the diagnosis of CPP in 94.7% of the 38 prepubertal girls; the sensitivity of basal LH levels for this purpose was only 64%. The basal FSH and the basal LH to FSH ratio achieved less efficient predictive value with 76 and 71% sensitivity and 73 and 86% specificity respectively. Conclusion: A single basal LH measurement may be adequate to confirm but not to refute the presence of CPP in most of the girls who are evaluated for early pubertal signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being a complex process, systematically conducted and continuously dosed, the athletic training aims to adapt the body to intense physical and psychological efforts, demanded by different competitions for obtaining top athletic performances. From the analyzed parameters, the practice fully confirmed that for kayak, the most important were the ones regarding the anthropometric predispositions, physical characteristics, technical motor predispositions (feeling the water), disposition towards top performance and cognitive abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between specific anthropometric (9 skinfolds, 13 girths, 8 lengths and 8 breadths), body composition (body fat %, fat free mass [FFM], fatmass [FM]) parameters and bone mineral parameters (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content [BMC]) in young rhythmic gymnasts and same age controls. Eighty nine 7-8-year-old girls participated in this study and were divided to the rhythmic gymnast's (n=46) and control (n=43) groups. Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (FFM, FM, body fat %, BMD and BMC). Body fat % and FM were lower and BMD and BMC values at lumbar spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck were higher in rhythmic gymnasts compared with controls. All measured skinfold thicknesses were thicker in controls. In girths, lengths and widths there were only few significant differences between the groups. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that skinfold thicknesses (supraspinale and medial calf) influenced L2-L4 BMD only in controls 38.2% (R2x100). Supraspinale and iliac crest skinfold thicknesses characterised L2-L4 BMC 43.9% (R2x100). Calf girths influenced BMD in L2-L4 52.3% (R(sup)²(/sup)x100) in controls. BMC in L2-L4 was dependent only on mid-thigh girths 35.9% (R2x100). BMD in L2-L4 was dependent on tibiale-laterale height 30.0% (R2x100). Biiliocristal breadths together with sitting height characterised BMC in L2-L4 BMD 62.3% (R2x100). In conclusion, we found that the relationships between anthropometry, body composition and bone parameters in young rhythmic gymnasts are weak. In control group first of all lower body anthropometric parameters significantly correlated with BMD and BMC in spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Education. Physical Training. Sport / Ugdymas. Kûno kultûra. Sportas is the property of Lithuanian Sports University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of the study was to find out the effect of yoga on selected physiological variables (resting heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate) of school girls living in most polluted and least polluted areas of Bhopal city. The study helpful to the student who develop his/her health along with control of various emotions like love, anger, affection, and greediness that provide firm control over body and mind specially to overcome most of dangerous diseases like Insomnia, Arthritis, Asthma, Blood pressure (Low/High), Diabetes, Depression, Fatigue and Nervousness etc. 500 girls were selected randomly from St. Joseph's Convent School, Bhopal, their age ranged between 12 to 16 years and they were divided into two groups, 250 girls from more polluted area and 250 girls from least polluted area of Bhopal. Pre-test and post-test of the selected physiological variables has been taken inside the school lab during the course of research study. They all have gone together for yoga classes in their school. The post-tests have been taken two times at the end of fourth and fifth month by qualified doctors under the supervision of the expert. Finally the results has been supported to the current study and explains that the yoga exercises are beneficial for girls because it almost found significant improvement in all respiratory functions i.e. Peak flow expiratory volume, Respiratory rate, Vital capacity, Resting heart rate, and Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), Height, Weight, Body Mass Index during post-test-I and post-test-II. Only the vital capacity and Respiratory rate of subjects has been found insignificant during post -test-I at the specific level of significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aimed to demonstrate the descriptive epidemiology of children and youth from a large national sample based on the measurement of their physical activity. The study included 19,789 children and youth that were recruited by random digit dialing. A pedometer was worn by the participants for seven consecutive days and requested to log their daily steps. The results show that boys and girls between 5-19 years old have taken 12,259 and 10,906 steps respectively each day. It emphasizes that weekend day steps were generally lower that weekday steps per day and varied by season. Moreover, the study reveals that using relatively cheaper pedometers and method for surveying the physical activity of young people are viable.

Abstract: This is the first study in Dutch anthropometric historiography that describes and analyzes the development of the biological standard of living of girls and young women from the perspective of female adult stature. It is shown that adult stature of women, imprisoned in the second half of the nineteenth century and born between 1815 and 1865, slightly increased, approximately 1cm. From 1850 onwards stature of women born in the cities notably increased. Development of female adult stature was compared to that of male stature; both were quite similar. No circumstantial evidence was found that girls or young women were on a disadvantage with respect to nutrition and (medical) care. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Changes in the neutral lipid and phospholipid composition of blood serum in response to meals were analyzed in girls with different somatotypes. After meals, a statistically significant decrease in the content of free fatty acids was observed in all subjects, irrespective of the somatotype. Statistically significant increases in the contents of readily oxidized phospholipid fractions were observed in girls of subathletic and athletic somatotypes. These data show the changes in the relationship between variable components of the lipid spectrum of lipoproteins. The main structural constituents of membrane lipoproteins, such as stable phospholipid fractions and free cholesterol, did not change in response to meals in girls of any somatotype. These data demonstrate a stability of membrane lipoprotein complexes in response to this physiological stimulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexican American (MA) girls are entering puberty earlier than in the past, yet few studies have explored the perceptions surrounding puberty among this group. We conducted separate focus groups for fathers, mothers, and daughters aged 6 to 12 years to explore perceptions of body image, pubertal development, communications, and sources of puberty-related information in MA participants. Our results revealed parental concerns about daughters' weight and pubertal development, as well as differences in their communication with their daughters. Although both parents willingly discussed pubertal issues concerning their daughters, mothers had a more active role in conveying pubertal information to daughters. Among the girls, there was a gap in knowledge about the pubertal process between the younger and older girls. Our findings present opportunities and challenges for addressing obesity as a pubertal risk factor in MA girls; however, more studies are needed to understand family beliefs and sociocultural dynamics surrounding puberty in MAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the paper was to build evaluation criteria of selected motor coordination abilities, useful in optimization of training in young gymnast girls, at the initial stage of sport training. Material/Methods: 18 gymnast girls aged 7-9 years old from the Sports School in Olsztyn took part in this study. In order to evaluate selected motor coordination abilities, three tests were used. The first test was taken on dynamometric platform on which subjects performed the Ellipsis test four times. This test is based on controlling the position of the centre of body mass using a dynamometric platform. The tested person had to keep the cursor (the centre of body mass) at the point moving along a prefect ellipsis on the screen. After two rehearsals gymnasts were turned round ten times in a rotation chair. In the second test, static balance was assessed by the Flamingo balance test (Eurofit). In the third test the level of global coordination was measured. Results: A correlation analysis of the collected data showed statistically significant correlation between individual indices. On the basis of objective quantitative and qualitative information obtained in this study, norms useful in assessment of the examined abilities were drawn up. A selection of valid and reliable indicators helpful in objective evaluation of motor coordination abilities in gymnast girls at the initial stage of sport training was made. Conclusions: Drawn up norms of motor coordination abilities evaluation create the basics for individualization of training in young gymnast girls at the initial stage of sport training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which evaluated the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment on the adult height (AH) among girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). It describes tests using univariate analysis done before and after therapy treatment showing that both age and skeletal age after treatment had strong linear relationships with growth. It was found that AH is normal with females with CPP treated with GnRHa and the lack of predictability after treatment cessation suggests individualized discontinuation systems.

The article presents a study which examined the body composition of prepubertal girls with premature adrenarche (PA). It describes tests done on prepubertal girls with and without PA for presence of visceral adiposity and increased intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) which are associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular diseases. Results have shown increased IMCL in young normal weight girls with PA and calls for further studies to determine if diet and exercise counseling are effective preventive treatment.

The purposes of this study were to assess menstrual attitudes and menstrual distress and investigate factors associated with menstrual distress among postmenarcheal female elementary students. A total of 129 female students from 12 elementary schools in Taiwan's Hualien County participated in this study. A stratified cluster random sampling method was adopted. The questionnaire used consisted of three sections asking questions regarding the individual's menstrual characteristics, menstrual attitudes, and menstrual distress. Study results showed that most respondents experienced menstrual blood seepage during the daytime and awakened at night during their periods due to worries about menstrual blood seepage. This study found that indigenous students had significantly more frequent episodes of menstrual blood seepage during the daytime and awakened at night during period than did nonindigenous students. The mean score on the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire was 1.88 (SD = 0.36, possible score = 1-4). The three most prevalent symptoms of menstrual distress were dysmenorrhea, acne, and fatigue. The mean score on the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire was 1.00 (SD = 0.76; possible score = 0-4). Moreover, there was a significantly negative correlation between menstrual attitudes and menstrual distress and significantly positive correlations between menstrual distress and (a) time since menarche, (b) menstrual blood seepage during the daytime, and (c) menstrual blood seepage while sleeping. Study results recommend that families and elementary schools help postmenarcheal female elementary students to accept menstruation as a natural process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out a cross-section study of the sex-specific relationship between bone mineral content and physical activity at sites with different loading in pre- and early pubertal girls and boys. There was significant sensitivity of bone mineral content of the hip to physical exercise in boys, but not in girls. Since little is known whether there are sex differences in sensitivity of bone to loading, we investigated sex differences in the cross-sectional association between measures of physical activity (PA) and bone mass and size in pre- and early pubertal children of both sexes. We measured bone mineral content/density (BMC/BMD) and fat-free mass (FFM) in 269 6- to 13-year-old children from randomly selected schools by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity (PA) was measured by accelerometers and lower extremity strength by a jump-and-reach test. Boys ( n = 128) had higher hip and total body BMC and BMD, higher FFM, higher muscle strength and were more physically active than girls ( n = 141). Total hip BMC was positively associated with time spent in total and vigorous PA in boys ( r = 0.20–0.33, p < 0.01), but not in girls ( r = 0.02–0.04, p = ns), even after adjusting for FFM and strength. While boys and girls in the lowest tertile of vigorous PA (22 min/day) did not differ in hip BMC (15.62 vs 15.52 g), boys in the highest tertile (72 min/day) had significantly higher values than the corresponding girls (16.84 vs 15.71 g, p < 0.05). Sex differences in BMC during pre- and early puberty may be related to a different sensitivity of bone to physical loading, irrespective of muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Study Objective: To define anthropometric and hormonal differences in a group of black and white girls who began puberty with breast development alone (“thelarche” pathway) compared to those who began with pubic hair development alone (“pubarche” pathway), and test the hypothesis that pubarche may represent true pubertal development. Design: Longitudinal cohort seen annually for ten years. Settting: Recruited through elementary schools in Cincinnati, OH, and Richmond, CA; through HMO in Washington, DC. Participants: 9 years old, either Black or White, in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study. Interventions: None; observational study. Main Outcome Measures: Initial secondary sexual characteristic at onset of puberty; anthropometric measures; hormone measures. Results: 478 of 1155 girls matured through a defined pathway. Age at onset of secondary sexual characteristics was similar between pathways, although girls in the thelarche pathway had puberty at a somewhat younger age, and black participants entered at a significantly younger age. Height velocity was the same in both pathways, and in the pubertal range. DHEA-S levels at onset of puberty were significantly greater in girls in the pubarche pathway, but levels of estradiol and testosterone were not different. Age of menarche was different by race (younger in blacks) and pathway (younger in thelarche pathway). Conclusions: Given similar age and height velocities at onset of secondary sexual characteristics, these results suggest that pubarche, the development of pubic hair without breast development, may represent true pubertal maturation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents several charts pertaining to the length and weight of boys and girls from birth to 36 months and the stature-for-age and weight-for-age percentiles for boys and girls between two and 20 years old.