長崎県上五島町に在住する小・中学生の頭・顔面部の成長に関する研究

Abstract

The growth change of the head and face in Kamigoto students and methods used in the study of growth data were studied. Furthermore, period and local variations were examined. The results were as follows : 1. Methods used in the study of growth The cross-sectional method with reliable data was considered to result in more exact estimation of mean and increment than the longitudinal or the mixed longitudinal method. 2. Change of stature with growth Adolescent growth spurt was found in male from 11 to 13 years old and in female from 9 to 11 years old. This spurt continued for 3 years, and the occurrence in female was 2 years earlier than in male. Childhood growth spurt was found in male from 7 to 8 and from 9 to 10 years old, and in female from 7 to 8 years old. Moreover, the increment at this time showed an increasing tendency. The growth pattern of Kamigoto students was about the same as the standard growth pattern of Japanese. 3. Change of the head and face with growth a. Change of the measurement Adolescent maximum spurt of the head and face was correlated with that of the stature at adolescent growth spurt. Moreover, childhood growth spurt also showed close correlation. b. Change of the index The head shape tended to be dolichocephalic, hypsicephalic and acrocephalic, and the face shape tended to be leptoprosopic. These changes were influenced by increment of the head length, the morphological facial height and the head height. 4. Sex difference with growth The sex difference in adult of the stature and the head and face was influenced greatly by adolescent maximum spurt in male. After this spurt occurred, sex difference was obviously shown. 5. Comparison a. Period variation with growth Brachycephalic tendency occurring by period was influenced by increment of the head breadth. The secular change in growth showed a tendency toward taller stature and prematurity. b. Local variation with growth No distinct difference was found in the comparison of the head length, the head breadth and the stature of Kamigoto students with those of Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo students. This finding indicated reduction in local variations.