The effect of variability in maturational tempo and midparent height on variability in linear body measurements.

BACKGROUND

Information on the effect of variability in maturational tempo on variability in height attained at the same age is not readily available.

AIM: The study obtained this information from the data of the First Zurich Longitudinal Study.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

Yearly measurements of standing height, sitting height and leg length, yearly assessments of bone age (RUS (Radius, Ulna and Short bones), TW3 method) and midparent height for 232 children from the First Zurich Longitudinal Growth Study are included in a correlational analysis.

RESULTS

The course of the squared correlations of standing height, sitting height and leg length with attained RUS bone age, midparent height and both as a function of age are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

During puberty, up to 50% of the height variation in boys and 40% in girls is explained by maturational tempo.