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Further observations on diurnal variation in standing height
1Department of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Annals of Human Biology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Daily standing height measurements reveal a consistent decrease in stature throughout the day. This diurnal variation in height is a reliable phenomenon, averaging nearly 1 cm.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Growth and development
Background:
- Understanding diurnal variations in human stature is crucial for accurate growth monitoring.
- Previous research suggests minor fluctuations in height over a 24-hour period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the diurnal variation in standing height in an adolescent male.
- To assess the reliability of daily standing height measurements.
Main Methods:
- 328 daily standing height measurements were collected from one adolescent male (ages 12.83-13.95).
- Measurements were taken twice daily (morning and evening) on 300 days.
- 292 duplicate measurements were used to determine measurement reliability.
Main Results:
- The standard error of measurement was 0.12 cm, indicating high reliability.
- A mean decrease in stature of 0.98 ± 0.2 cm was observed from morning to evening.
- Similar height decreases were noted after short naps.
Conclusions:
- Significant diurnal variation in standing height occurs in adolescents.
- Daily height measurements are reliable, but this diurnal effect must be considered.
- The observed decrease in stature is a consistent physiological phenomenon.