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Biomechanics of growth and development in the healthy human infant: a pilot study
James P Wells1, David L Hyler-Both, Tabitha D Danley
1Department of Structural Biology, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg 24901-1128, USA. jwells@wvsom.edu
Insights
Human limb development shows a proximal shift in the center of mass for body segments, particularly in lower limbs. Limb length and circumference increase linearly with age, reflecting hindlimb development in children.
Area of Science:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Pediatric growth and development
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Understanding typical human growth patterns is crucial for clinical assessment.
- Previous research has explored body segment morphology in non-human primates.
- Longitudinal data on pediatric body segment changes is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document ontogenic changes in body segment proportions in healthy children.
- To provide clinicians with detailed anthropometric data for pediatric development.
- To compare human pediatric growth patterns with those observed in rhesus monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Collected anthropometric data (length, diameter, circumference, skinfold thickness) from 168 healthy children.
- Calculated center of volume for each body segment as an approximation of center of mass.
- Measurements were taken during routine well-baby visits between 1998 and 1999.
Main Results:
- The center of mass for limb body segments migrates proximally during growth, more so in proximal segments and lower extremities.
- Limb length and circumference demonstrate a linear increase with age.
- Observed human growth trends align with findings from studies on rhesus monkeys.
Conclusions:
- Ontogenic changes in limb proportions are linked to the development of propulsive hindlimbs.
- The study provides valuable data for understanding normal pediatric anthropometric development.
- Findings support the ongoing research to offer comprehensive ontogenic information to clinicians.
Abstract:
Detailed measurements were acquired from 168 healthy subjects who were brought to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's Robert C. Byrd Clinic in Lewisburg, WVa, during 1998 and 1999 by their parents for routine well-baby visits. Measurements of body-segment length, diameter, circumference, and skinfold thickness were taken at several segment locations. The center of volume was calculated for each body segment and was used as an approximation of center of mass. Findings from this study are strikingly similar to those found in the preceding long-term study by Turnquist and Wells of body-segment morphology, locomotion, and posture in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulata). In human growth and development, the center of mass of each limb body segment migrates proximally, and more so in the more proximal segments. This trend is more pronounced in the lower extremities. Limb length and circumference increase with age in a linear pattern. These ontogenic changes are the consequence of the development of a propulsive hindlimb. This report is part of an ongoing study that will conclude in 2005 and that is intended to provide clinicians with detailed ontogenic information about changes in limb proportions in normal healthy children.