Physical growth pattern among adolescents from Satara District: Using sitting height, leg length, and other anthropometric measurements

Abstract

Background: Adolescent is a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. Apart from height and weight other anthropometric measurements such as sitting height and leg length are also useful in assessment of physical growth pattern. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study is to develop mean and standard deviation (SD) for sitting height, leg length, biacromial diameter, bicristal diameter etc., and to compare them with the national Indian council of medical research standard and other study reference values. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional school-based study was carried out in Satara district. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 for windows. Results: During 10–15 years of age, sitting height increased by 12.10 and 8.44 cm for boys and girls, respectively. The peak sitting height velocity was observed at 13–14 years in boys and 12–13 years in girls. During 10–15 years of age leg length was increased by 14.86 and 10.58 cm for boys and girls, respectively. Thus, both boys and girls have more increase in leg length as compared to sitting height. There is proportionately more increase in shoulder width than the hip width in case of boys whereas girls showed a more increase in hip width. Conclusions: As there are very less studies regarding other anthropometric measurements such as sitting height, leg length, and biacromial diameter it is necessary to carry out regional and national studies to develop standard/reference values for these anthropometric measurements.