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[Study of weight/height correlation to identify mild protein-energy malnutrition children 9 years old]

J P Sun1

  • 1Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Beijing Medical University.

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Children with moderate and persistent malnutrition (MPEM) exhibited lower physical work capacity (PWC 170) and poorer anthropometric indicators compared to controls. These findings suggest impaired physical performance in undernourished children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Child Health

Context:

  • Study conducted in Beijing, 1987, involving 292 nine-year-old primary school children.
  • Children were classified using international weight-for-height references.
  • Comparison groups included children with moderate and persistent energy malnutrition (MPEM) and control groups.

Purpose:

  • To assess the physical work capacity (PWC 170) and anthropometric indicators of children with MPEM.
  • To investigate potential differences in physical performance between malnourished and well-nourished children.
  • To explore the relationship between nutritional status and physical fitness in school-aged children.

Summary:

  • MPEM children showed significantly lower PWC 170 and anthropometric indicators than controls.
  • Mid-arm circumference differed significantly between MPEM and control groups, but not between sexes.
  • Higher heart rates during testing in MPEM children indicated poorer work performance; anemia was ruled out as a cause.

Impact:

  • Highlights the detrimental effect of MPEM on children's physical work capacity and overall physical development.
  • Provides evidence for impaired physiological responses to physical exertion in malnourished children.
  • Underscores the importance of nutritional status for optimal physical performance in childhood.

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