To compare the efficacy of robot‑assisted (RA) and conventional fluoroscopy‑guided percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with pediculoplasty in the treatment symptomatic chronic thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral fracture (SCOVF) without neurological deficits. This retrospective analysis included a total of 120 patients, with 87 in RA group and 33 in conventional group. Parameters such as operation time, volume of bone cement injected, and first-attempt success rate of puncture were recorded. Additionally, assessments were made for vertebral body index (VBI), bisegmental Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) score, and the occurrence of bone cement leakage or displacement during follow-up. The success rate of puncture was higher in RA group than conventional group (95.4% vs. 81.8%, P < 0.01). During follow-up, the values of VBI were 87.1 ± 4.5, 86.9 ± 4.3, 86.8 ± 4.3 in RA group which were higher than 83.6 ± 4.4, 84.1 ± 3.8, 84.4 ± 3.9 in conventional group (all P < 0.01). The VAS values in the RA group were 2.9 ± 1.0, 1.8 ± 0.7, 1.8 ± 0.7 points respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the conventional group 4.4 ± 1.1, 3.1 ± 0.8, 3.0 ± 0.9 points (all P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in bisegmental Cobb angle or ODI between two groups (P > 0.05). RA group exhibited a lower incidence of bone cement leakage and displacement [(8.0% vs. 30.3%, P < 0.01) and (0.0% vs. 9.1%, P < 0.05)]. Both surgical procedures are effective in treating SCOVF without neurological deficits. However, robot assistance offers several advantages, including enhanced puncture accuracy, satisfactory restoration of vertebral body height, rapid pain relief, reduced incidence of bone cement leakage, and effective prevention of cement displacement.

Golf courses often present sloped surfaces that require players to adjust their swing mechanics. Understanding these adaptations is important for optimizing performance and maintaining consistency. This research studied how low-handicap golfers adjusted their body when performing golf swings on flat, uphill, and downhill slopes. Sixteen right-handed male university golfers (mean age 21.4 ± 2.4 years; body height 177.7 ± 4.7 cm; body mass 80.4 ± 11.0 kg; handicap 3.6 ± 1.6) performed swings using a 7-iron to swing on flat (0°), uphill (+10°), and downhill (−10°) slopes. The golfers’ movements were recorded using an optical motion analysis system. Kinematic data were analyzed using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (SPM 1D) with one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were found in lower-limb joint angles and upper body inclination across slope conditions, while no significant differences were found in clubhead speed or pelvis and thorax rotation velocity. The findings show how golfers adjusted their posture to compensate for the slope while maintaining clubhead speed despite these postural changes. Initially, golfers addressed the ball by shortening the upper-side leg and aligning the upper body parallel to the slope. During the downswing, they gradually shifted their upper-body inclination toward a more upright posture relative to the ground, with lower-limb adaptations differing between the uphill and downhill conditions. These adjustments serve as strategies to sustain clubhead speed and optimize performance during uphill and downhill swings.

Maternal hypotension is the most common and significant complication of spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, increasing maternal nausea, vomiting, and risk of fetal acidosis. The traditional fixed intrathecal dose of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine does not account for patient height, an important determinant of block spread and sympathetic blockade. In this single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II parturients undergoing elective lower-segment cesarean section received either a fixed intrathecal dose of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.2 ml (Group F) or a height-adjusted dose of 0.06 mg cm-1 body height (Group H; ≈1.7-2.1 ml). No intrathecal opioids or adjuvants were given. Standard preloading, monitoring, and management of hypotension and bradycardia were applied. The primary endpoint was maternal hypotension; secondary endpoints were block characteristics, vasopressor requirement, maternal side effects, and neonatal Apgar scores. Baseline demographics and hemodynamics were comparable. Hypotension occurred in 63% of Group F versus 27% of Group H (P < 0.01). Group H experienced significantly smaller reductions in systolic and mean arterial pressure. Patients in this group also required fewer mephentermine boluses (0.8 ± 0.6 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1) and a lower total vasopressor dose (3.4 ± 2.1 mg vs. 9.2 ± 3.5 mg), with all differences being statistically significant (P < 0.001). Anesthetic quality and motor block were equivalent. Nausea and vomiting were reduced (7% vs. 23%, P = 0.03). Neonatal Apgar scores exceeded 8 in both the groups, with no neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Height-adjusted intrathecal bupivacaine ensures reliable surgical anesthesia with improved maternal hemodynamic stability and fewer side effects, without compromising neonatal outcomes.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary protein levels during late gestation on nutrient digestibility, plasma amino acid profiles in jennies, and donkey foal growth performance. Twenty-four pregnant jennies were randomly assigned to one of three diets with different crude protein (CP) contents during late gestation: 12.48% (HP), 11.52% (MP), and 10.54% (LP) on a dry matter basis. All animals received the same diet immediately after parturition for a duration of 30 days. During the trial, two digestion experiments were conducted, blood samples were collected at 28 and 7 days prepartum, and weekly weight measurements of jennies and foals were recorded. The results indicated that the dietary protein level did not significantly affect feed intake in late gestation. However, apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) was generally higher in the MP and LP groups than in the HP group, with MP showing the most consistent improvements across nutrients and timepoints (p < 0.05). Although the HP diet increased plasma concentrations of certain amino acids, including glutamic acid (Glu), valine (Val), methionine (Met), leucine (Leu), essential amino acids (EAAs), functional amino acids (FAAs), and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), and elevated serum levels of glucose (GLU), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE), it failed to improve postpartum weight recovery in jennies, highlighting that weight dynamics during this period are governed by factors beyond dietary protein content alone. Specifically, the LP group exhibited significantly higher cumulative postpartum weight loss over weeks 1-4 than the HP group (p = 0.004). Regarding offspring performance, both HP and MP diets improved foal birth weight, weekly body weight up to 4 weeks, average daily gain, and body height compared to the LP group (p < 0.05), with no significant differences observed between the HP and MP groups. In conclusion, for jennies under the current confined feeding system, a late-gestation diet containing 11.52% CP was adequate to support higher nutrient digestibility in the jennies and better growth performance in their foals, compared to a lower protein level (10.54% CP). However, increasing the dietary CP to 12.48% provided no additional benefits in nutrient utilization or overall productivity.

Background: Short-segment posterior fixation with intermediate pedicle screws is widely used for thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) burst fractures. However, the optimal penetration depth of intermediate screws remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intermediate screw penetration depth influences radiographic alignment and functional outcomes at 12 months following short-segment posterior fixation of AO Spine A3-A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 105 patients with AO Spine A3-A4 TLJ burst fractures treated between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2022. All patients underwent short-segment posterior stabilization with intermediate screws at the fracture level. Penetration depth was categorized as either <50% (Group A) or ≥50% (Group B) of vertebral body depth. Radiographic parameters (kyphotic deformity, segmental kyphosis, sagittal index, anterior vertebral body height) and clinical outcomes (Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index) were evaluated preoperatively and at 12 months. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvement in radiographic alignment and clinical outcomes. No statistically significant differences were detected between groups in kyphotic correction, loss of correction, pain reduction, disability scores, operative time, length of stay, or complication rates at 12 months. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, intermediate screw penetration depth did not significantly influence radiographic or clinical outcomes at 12 months. Screw length selection may therefore depend on anatomical considerations and surgeon preference rather than expected differences in clinical performance.

Both genetic and environmental factors affect human stature, including overall height and familial short stature (FSS), and it is associated with various health outcomes. However, the study of genetic connections between stature and health conditions remains lacking in East Asian populations. Hence, we conducted parallel genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of body height and FSS in the Han Taiwanese population, aiming to elucidate the genetic influences of stature on health and facilitate the formulation of precision-health strategies. We analyzed large-scale GWAS data on adult height (120,301 Han Taiwanese) and FSS (FSS; 2,050 cases, 27,966 controls) to examine cross-trait genetic correlations across five East Asian biobanks, and applied phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) and polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses to assess clinical outcomes using Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier analyses. We identified 293 loci for height and five for FSS, with cross-biobank genetic correlations linking stature to body size, lung function, and cardiovascular/reproductive traits (atrial flutter/fibrillation [AF], menarche, and endometriosis). PheWAS showed that height PRS increased risks of AF and endometriosis, while FSS PRS had a protective effect against endometriosis. MR analyses showed that taller stature increased AF risk independently and endometriosis risk through menarche/weight, while shorter stature had a weak protective effect against endometriosis. Survival analyses showed the association of higher height PRS with greater AF risk and an earlier divergence of cumulative incidence curves. These time-to-event patterns were consistently replicated using meta-analysis-derived PRSs. The findings highlight stature-related genetic determinants, associated health outcomes, and polygenic risk scores as effective tools for early risk prediction and precision health strategies in East Asian populations.

To quantify anterior chamber depth (ACD) changes and identify associated determinants in individuals with good-corrected visual acuity. In a retrospective single‑centre cohort, participants attending a combined health and eye screening programme underwent same‑day biometry, anthropometry and routine haematology. For each participant, the annual ACD change (mm/year) was estimated as the individual-linear regression slope. The cross-sectional age–ACD relationship was characterised with restricted cubic splines and a single-knot piecewise model. Associations between annual ACD change and baseline characteristics were evaluated using ordinal logistic regression across quartiles of the slopes. A total of 2,247 participants (median age at baseline visit 52.7 years) with 10,869 visits over a median follow-up of 4.9 years were analysed. The median annual ACD change was − 1.11 × 10⁻² mm/year (interquartile range − 2.04 × 10⁻² to − 0.24 × 10⁻²). The piecewise model identified a knot at 51.3 years, with estimated ACD narrowing of − 1.52 × 10⁻² mm/year at ages ≤ 51.3 and − 0.91 × 10⁻² mm/year at > 51.3 (both P < 0.001). Ordinal models showed that younger age and shorter body height were associated with faster ACD narrowing (both P < 0.05). ACD narrowing progressed more steeply until approximately 51 years of age, with a trend toward relatively faster narrowing in shorter individuals. These findings suggest that structural predisposition to angle-closure is largely established by early middle age and support targeted monitoring and preventive strategies in middle-aged, shorter adults. Shallow anterior chamber depth is a major anatomical risk factor for primary angle-closure disease; however, longitudinal evidence on anterior chamber depth narrowing is limited. Anterior chamber depth narrows relatively faster at younger ages and the rate of narrowing slows after approximately 51 years. Younger age and shorter body height are associated with faster anterior chamber depth narrowing. Structural predisposition to angle-closure appears to be largely established by early middle age.

Obesity is associated with comorbidities, including hypertension, which have been diagnosed in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to verify the mediator role of physical activity in the relationship between anthropometric indicators and blood pressure (BP) in children with normal weight and children with overweight/obesity. The BeE-school project included 728 Portuguese children (376 boys, 352 girls), aged 6 to 10 years old, who were divided into two groups: children with normal weight and children with overweight/obesity, according to body mass index z-score (BMI-z). Body mass, height, waist circumference (WC), systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were assessed. Tri-ponderal mass index (TMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and mean BP (MBP) were calculated. Sedentary behavior and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were determined by accelerometry. Mediation analyses were conducted considering predictors (WC, WHtR, TMI), mediators (MVPA on weekdays, weekend, total), outcomes (SBP, DBP, MBP). Children with overweight/obesity had higher mean values for BP measurements compared to their normal weight peers. In the correlations were not observed associations between anthropometric indicators and BP variables in children with normal weight, but MVPA on weekdays and MVPA total showed positive associations with SBP. However, children with overweight/obesity presented significant positive associations between all anthropometric indicators and BP variables. The present study provides evidence that physical activity functions as a competitive mediator in relationship between TMI and BP in children with overweight/obesity. The overweight simultaneously elevates BP directly while reducing protective physical activity engagement in Portuguese children.

BackgroundThis study summarizes anthropometric research that was conducted in two phases between 2015 and 2023. The aim of the first phase (2015–2016) was to map the current status of the height trend among adult high school students in the South Moravian region (the Brno-City District). The aim of the second phase (2016–2023) was to map the status of the height trend in three neighboring regions (Olomouc, Vysočina, Zlín) and to examine the relationship between body height, body composition, and some aspects of the students’ lifestyle.MethodsThe study population consisted of 4655 individuals (2349 males, 2306 females) aged 18–22 from 71 high schools with a broad educational spectrum. The second phase of the research included 2045 individuals (1011 males, 1034 females) who completed questionnaires with questions about their lifestyle.ResultsBased on the measurements of body height in a sample of evenly stratified categories of high schools in the Brno-City District, we arrived at an average of 180.5 ± 6.8 cm in males (n = 1338) and 166.5 ± 6.3 cm in females (n = 1272) aged 18–20 years. The planned measurements of body height in the three remaining regions were not completed due to the COVID epidemic, but the total averages remained practically unchanged (180.3 ± 6.8 cm in males, n = 2326; 166.5 ± 6.4 cm in females, n = 2299). An analysis using linear mixed-effect models showed that body height was best predicted by dairy consumption in males and by school lunch attendance in females. Low % body fat was most strongly associated with physical activity, distantly followed by high parental education and daily school lunch attendance. In both sexes, height was inversely related to % body fat, but this relationship was not mediated by physical activity.ConclusionsTaking into account other available data, it can be concluded that the secular trend of body height in the Czech Republic probably continues very slowly in males but stagnates in females. The inverse relationship between height and % body fat has an analogy in many other developed countries and suggests that a diet based on high-quality animal proteins should be the most effective strategy for supporting optimal physical development and preventing child obesity.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40101-025-00418-2.

Anthropometric characteristics are recognized as important determinants of elite performance in water polo. Although secular trends in body height, body weight, and BMI have been documented in various sports, long-term historical analyses of Olympic water polo players from a single, highly successful sporting system are lacking. This retrospective population-based study analyzed anthropometric data of male water polo players representing former Yugoslavia at the Olympic Games between 1956 and 1988. Body height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were examined using descriptive statistics and trend analyses to identify long-term morphological changes across Olympic cycles. A pronounced secular increase in body height was observed across Olympic cycles, accompanied by a moderate increase in body weight. In contrast, BMI values remained relatively stable over time, indicating proportional morphological development rather than excessive body weight gain. Considering these trends and the profiles of the former Yugoslav national teams that achieved the greatest successes at the Olympic Games, it is evident that similar anthropometric characteristics should be taken into account when selecting top level players for elite squads.

This study examined whether differences in countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force-time metrics exist between starters and non-starters in professional female basketball players. Twenty-two athletes (7 starters, 15 non-starters) competing in the first Spanish basketball league completed CMJ and IMTP testing using dual force plate system. CMJ variables included jump height, peak and mean braking and propulsive force, time-to-takeoff, and net impulse. IMTP variables included peak force and rate of force development (RFD) at 0-100 and 0-250 ms. Independent t-tests and Hedges' g effect sizes were used to assess between-group differences. No statistically significant differences were observed between starters and non-starters for any CMJ or IMTP force-time metrics of interest (p > 0.05). Both groups displayed similar values in jump height, force production, and RFD, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate (g = 0.04-0.49). However, starters were significantly older than non-starters (p = 0.018), while no differences were found in body mass and height (p > 0.05). Overall, the findings of the present study indicate that, at the professional level of play, CMJ and IMTP performance characteristics are not capable of distinguishing starters from non-starters in women's basketball. Starting status may be shaped more by competitive experience, technical proficiency, and tactical awareness. Although monitoring neuromuscular performance remains valuable, player selection and role differentiation appear to depend more on skill execution and contextual game demands than on strength characteristics alone.

Health literacy is an important phenomena in the management of issue encounter by diabetic patients to prevent any further complications. The current study focus on the anthropometric factors like body mass index, height, weight, and age influencing health literacy among diabetic patients. A cross-sectional research design was used to take information from diabetic patients by using measures of health literacy with the demographic information included anthropometric indicators. The neural network analysis was used to conclude the comparative importance of each indicator in assessing health literacy. Results showed that body mass index appeared to be the most powerful predictor of health literacy afterward the weight, height, and age of diabetic patients. The findings suggest that physical health factors are closely linked with the how to attain, comprehend, and utilize information related to health. Further, age was appeared to be least influence factor but still added a meaningfully predictor of health literacy.

It is critical to supply adequate rumen degradable protein (RDP) to maintain ruminal fermentation of carbohydrates and microbial protein synthesis in sheep. Our objective was to investigate the effect of dietary RDP content on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen utilization in growing Hu sheep. The study was conducted for 11 wk (i.e., 2-wk adaptation period and 9-wk experimental period) with 44 3-month-old intact male Hu sheep averaging body weight (BW) of 22.7 ± 3.32 kg at the beginning of the trial. Following the adaptation period, sheep were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental diets. Dietary RDP concentrations of 11.0%, 10.0%, 9.0%, and 8.0% were achieved by replacing solvent soybean meal and wheat middlings with coarsely cracked corn and extruded soybean meal, and experimental diets were fed as pelleted total mixed rations. Treatment had no effect on BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, or income over feed cost. When decreasing dietary RDP, body height decreased (P = 0.017) linearly, chest depth tended (P = 0.079) to reduce linearly, and chest width responded (P = 0.008) quadratically. There were (P ≤ 0.018) quadratic effects of decreasing RDP concentration for ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate, butyrate, and branched-chain VFA (i.e., isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate), with maximal values at 10.0% RDP. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of crude protein and acid detergent fiber decreased (P ≤ 0.001) and that of starch increased (P = 0.003) linearly as dietary RDP concentration decreased from 11.0% to 8.0%. Decreasing RDP tended (P = 0.051) to have a quadratic effect on NDF digestibility. Urinary urea-nitrogen and total-nitrogen excretion showed (P < 0.001) linear decreases when dietary RDP concentration declined. There was (P = 0.027) a cubic effect of decreasing RDP on fecal nitrogen output. The ratio of retained nitrogen to nitrogen intake was maximized at 10.0% RDP (quadratic effect, P = 0.016). In summary, even though reducing dietary RDP level from 11.0% to 8.0% did not modify growth performance and linearly reduced urinary N output, ruminal fermentation, apparent total-tract digestibility of NDF, and nitrogen utilization were optimal when feeding the 10.0% RDP diet.

Blood pressure (BP) measurements are clinical parameters that are rarely used in routine assessments of schoolchildren under 10 years of age. However, changes in lifestyle and excess weight have led to the presence of early hypertension in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of hypertensive measures in schoolchildren according to sex and whether they are related to anthropometric measurements, sedentary behavior, and physical activity practices during weekdays and on weekends. This cross-sectional study included 735 Portuguese children living in socioeconomical vulnerable (380 boys and 355 girls) aged 6 to 10 years old. Body mass, height, waist circumference (WC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DPB) were assessed. Body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score (BMI-z), tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Sedentary behavior, and physical activity levels were determined by accelerometry. BP was classified using four categories: normal, elevated BP, hypertension (isolated SBP), and hypertension (DBP or both). Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and generalized linear models were used. The frequency of hypertension DBP or both found in girls (9.5%) did differ significantly from that observed in boys (5.6%). Girls had higher DBP mean and risk of elevated BP of 1.79 times compared to boys. In relation to the practice of physical activities during weekdays and weekends, the girls had a higher mean of light physical activity and lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p < 0.001) than boys. Hypertensive girls (DBP or both) had higher TMI (p = 0.015) and WHtR (p = 0.023) than normotensive. The odds of SBP hypertension are higher with high TMI (OR = 2.39) and WHtR (OR = 2.67), just as hypertension (DBP or both) is associated with high BMI-z (OR = 3.39) and insufficient weekend MVPA (OR = 3.61). Girls had a higher mean of DBP, risk of elevated BP and lower MVPA than boys. Hypertensive girls have a higher TMI and WHtR means than normotensive. Schoolchildren under 10 years with excessive BMI-z, TMI, WHtR or insufficient weekend MVPA have a higher risk of hypertension.

ABSTRACT Individuals urbanize when the net benefits of urban living exceed those of rural conditions. Body mass index (BMI), height, and weight are measures of welfare that reflect the balance between caloric intake and the physiological demands of labor and environmental conditions. Using 19th- and early 20th-century US prison records, this study illustrates that urban residents had lower BMIs, shorter stature, and lower body weight than rural residents. Urban nutritional outcomes varied by race: both white and black urban residents had lower BMIs, shorter stature, and lower weight relative to their rural counterparts. Net nutrition variation was greater among urban males compared to females, indicating that urbanization affected male net nutrition more than female nutritional status.

Children with mild intellectual disability (MID) have significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and cognitive, social, and motor skill behaviors. Understanding the development of physical fitness in boys and girls with MID, and identifying sex-related differences can help devise interventional programs to improve physical fitness in these groups. The aim of this study was to compare sex differences in the time-dependent changes in health-related physical fitness components in individuals with MID. A longitudinal design was employed over three years. A total of 111 individuals with MID (46 girls and 65 boys) aged between 10 and 14 years (mean age 11.97±1.39 years) participated in the study. The physical fitness levels of the participants were assessed using the Brockport Physical Fitness Test (BPFT) battery. The tests included body composition (body height, body mass, and body mass index), aerobic endurance (15 m Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test), and musculoskeletal function (dominant handgrip strength, back-saver sit-and-reach, and trunk lift). The results revealed that, over time, the longitudinal developmental trajectories for body mass, body height, aerobic endurance, and dominant handgrip strength were more favorable for boys. However, the longitudinal development curves for body mass index (BMI), trunk lift, and flexibility were similar for both boys and girls. The findings of this study provide valuable evidence for developing targeted physical activity programs for individuals with MID, and demonstrate the need for programs aimed at increasing aerobic endurance and muscle strength in girls with MID.

Background/Objectives: When analyzing human skeletal remains for human identification, the assessment of sexual dimorphism is fundamental because it underlies sex estimation, a key parameter of the biological profile, which reduces the number of candidates to approximately one half. Ideally, the most dimorphic bones (the pelvis and long bones) are used, but this analysis may be compromised when the skeletal remains are badly preserved, which is often the case in older skeletons. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate sexual dimorphism in alternative skeletal elements as the quantity and quality of bone structures present in ancient skeletons represent crucial aspects when assessing biological differences between the sexes. The present study aims to evaluate the degree of sexual dimorphism in selected skeletal elements as a preliminary step toward identifying sexually dimorphic parameters with potential applicability in future research on poorly preserved skeletons. Methods: A metric assessment of sexual dimorphism was performed on the clavicle, sternum, and seventh cervical vertebra from a 20th Century collection of identified skeletons from the Portuguese population from CESPU (CEIC), showing a variable degree of bone preservation. Results: Our preliminary data suggest that although all bones analyzed may have exhibited some degree of sexual dimorphism, five parameters—sternal body length, manubrium width, first stern-vertebrae width, clavicle maximum length, and cervical vertebral body height—showed the most promising results. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to validate these observations, using a bigger sample of badly preserved bones. Conclusions: These results represent a preliminary assessment of sexually dimorphic parameters, which may be of interest in circumstances where skeletal elements are poorly preserved.

IntroductionMonitoring anthropometric characteristics such as body height and body weight, as well as body mass index (BMI) is central to understanding biological develop¬ment and population health. Montenegro is known for exceptionally tall stature, which is also reflected in other mentioned variables, yet historical national-level data on adolescent growth during the second half of the 20th century have been limited. The aim of this study was to examine secular trends in body height, body weight, BMI, and nutritional status among male adolescents in Montenegro using nationwide archival data from mandatory military medical examinations con¬ducted between 1979 and 1987.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included 83,274 male adolescents born between 1961 and 1969. Data were obtained from digitized archival medical records collected during standardized pre-recruitment examinations in the former Yugoslav People’s Army. The mean age at exami¬nation was 18.06 ± 0.52 years (range: 16.5–25.9), supporting the application of adult BMI classification criteria. Body height, body weight, and BMI were analyzed by birth cohort using analysis of variance and linear regression models, while trends in nutritional status categories were assessed using chi-square tests for trend.ResultsThe mean body height of the total sample was 176.76 ± 6.91 cm, confirm¬ing that Montenegrin adolescents belonged to one of the tallest populations in Europe during the study period. Although statistically significant differences across cohorts were observed due to the large sample size, effect sizes and regression analyses indicated no meaningful secular changes in body height, body weight, or BMI. Nutritional status analysis showed that 85.9% of participants had normal BMI, while the prevalence of overweight (7.2%) and obesity (0.6%) was low. A modest but statistically significant increase in overweight and obesity prevalence across cohorts was identified.DiscussionThis study provides the first compre¬hensive national overview of anthropometric characteristics and nutritional status of male adolescents in Montenegro during the late 20th century. By establishing a relevant historical baseline based on standardized nationwide archival data, the findings provide an essential reference for future analyses of long-term secular trends and contemporary public health comparisons.

Introduction: Stunting remains a major public health concern in Indonesia, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, and reflects the cumulative effects of nutritional deficits, infection, and suboptimal caregiving within broader social and environmental conditions. This study draws on current national and global evidence to frame stunting as a developmental and ecological problem that requires integrated, family-centred interventions. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Maranti stimulation (massage therapy for stunting), in enhancing growth and development among stunted children. Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a non-equivalent control group design and was conducted from August to November 2024 at two public health centers in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=23), which received weekly Maranti massage sessions over six weeks, and the control group (n=25), which was provided with educational booklets on child growth and developmental stimulation. Growth measurements were collected using anthropometric tools, and developmental outcomes were assessed using the BSID-III instrument. Data normality was assessed prior to analysis. Normally distributed variables were analyzed using independent t-tests, while non-normally distributed variables were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test in Stata. Results: The findings revealed significant improvements in growth and development post-intervention in both groups, with more pronounced effects in the intervention group. Notably, Maranti therapy significantly increased body weight (p=0.016) and height (p=0.001). Language (p=0.025) and motor skills (p=0.045) also improved significantly. Cognitive development, however, did not show a statistically significant change (p=0.635). Effect size analysis indicated medium to strong effects for weight and height (Cohen’s d = 0.724 and 1.041), and moderate effects for language and motor development (Cohen’s d = 0.580 and 0.595). Conclusion: Maranti stimulation demonstrates promise as an effective complementary strategy to improve physical growth and developmental outcomes in stunted children, though further research is needed regarding cognitive impacts. These findings suggest that culturally embedded tactile stimulation can serve as a feasible complementary approach for growth-promotion programs. The intervention holds potential for integration into community-based stunting-reduction strategies, particularly in settings where traditional practices remain influential.

The present investigation was undertaken to examine and compare selected anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness parameters among male inter-collegiate athletes aged 18-25 years, specialising in sprinting, jumping, and throwing disciplines. This study included 75 male inter-collegiate athletes selected by purposive sampling from recognized universities and allied colleges. The sample was divided into 3 equal groups: Group I - Sprinters (n = 25; 100, 200, 400 m events). Group II included 25 jumpers (Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump) and 25 throwers (Shot Put, Discus, Javelin). To be eligible for the study, participants had to be male, between the ages of eighteen (18) & Twenty (25), have competed at the intercollegiate level for at least two years and be free of any injuries or illnesses that could affect test performance. Anthropometric variables recorded were body height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). Physical fitness was evaluated through five standardised criterion tests: 60-metre dash for speed, vertical jump for explosive leg power, hand-grip dynamometry for muscular strength, sit-and-reach test for flexibility, and the 4 × 10 metre shuttle run for agility. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine inter-group differences, and the level of significance was pre-set at p ≤ 0.05. Statistically significant inter-group differences were recorded for body weight (F = 47.23, p<0.001), BMI (F = 38.61, p<0.001), speed (F = 42.16, p<0.001), vertical jump (F = 74.32, p<0.001), grip strength (F = 38.94, p<0.001), flexibility (F = 24.51, p<0.001), and agility (F = 27.83, p<0.001), whereas body height did not differ significantly across groups (p>0.05). Throwers recorded the highest body weight and muscular strength values; jumpers demonstrated superior explosive leg power and flexibility; and sprinters excelled in both speed and agility. The findings confirm event-specific morphological and fitness adaptations among collegiate track and field athletes and offer useful baseline normative data for talent identification and the design of sport-specific conditioning programmes.