Journal article
Statistical characterization of the pubertal growth spurt.
- 2001-07-19
Published in:
- Annals of human biology. - 2001
Adolescent
Age Factors
Biometry
Body Height
Child
Child Development
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Ilium
Infant
Leg
Logistic Models
Male
Puberty
English
BACKGROUND
This is a methodical investigation into the problem of estimating parameters for the pubertal spurt (PS). The variability involved in determining the timing, intensity and duration of the PS for height, leg height and biiliac width is estimated via a realistic simulation. Further, a decomposition of adolescent growth into a component due to the pubertal peak and one due to ongoing prepubertal velocity is evaluated.
METHODS
Data for 120 boys and 112 girls are available from 4 weeks to adulthood. The curve-fitting method is kernel estimation for distance, velocity and acceleration.
RESULTS
The age of peak velocity and the age of stopping of the PS are well determined. In contrast, the age of onset of the PS is less well determined. Intensity is less variable for the parameter peak velocity than for maximal acceleration. It is feasible to decompose adolescent growth into a component due to the pubertal peak and one due to ongoing prepubertal growth.
CONCLUSIONS
Nonparametric curve-fitting methods which do not rely on a parametric growth model can be successfully used to extract individual characteristics of the PS.
This is a methodical investigation into the problem of estimating parameters for the pubertal spurt (PS). The variability involved in determining the timing, intensity and duration of the PS for height, leg height and biiliac width is estimated via a realistic simulation. Further, a decomposition of adolescent growth into a component due to the pubertal peak and one due to ongoing prepubertal velocity is evaluated.
METHODS
Data for 120 boys and 112 girls are available from 4 weeks to adulthood. The curve-fitting method is kernel estimation for distance, velocity and acceleration.
RESULTS
The age of peak velocity and the age of stopping of the PS are well determined. In contrast, the age of onset of the PS is less well determined. Intensity is less variable for the parameter peak velocity than for maximal acceleration. It is feasible to decompose adolescent growth into a component due to the pubertal peak and one due to ongoing prepubertal growth.
CONCLUSIONS
Nonparametric curve-fitting methods which do not rely on a parametric growth model can be successfully used to extract individual characteristics of the PS.
- Language
-
- English
- Open access status
- closed
- Identifiers
-
- DOI 10.1080/03014460010013025
- PMID 11459237
- Persistent URL
- https://sonar.ch/global/documents/16458
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