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[The physical development of infants and young children. 4. Body mass--a longitudinal study]
Insights
This longitudinal study tracked child somatic development from birth to age three, revealing unique body mass dynamics compared to previous research. Findings highlight variations in infant body mass during the first 18 months of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Human Growth and Development
- Anthropometry
Context:
- Longitudinal study conducted from 1979-1982.
- Involved 84 male and 91 female children.
- Focused on somatic development from birth to three years.
Purpose:
- To present body mass data (distance values, increments, growth velocity).
- To compare findings with previous German Democratic Republic (G.D.R.) and international studies.
- To analyze sex-based differences in body mass development dynamics.
Summary:
- Body mass generally higher in the first six months compared to prior studies, except for birth weight.
- Lower body mass values observed between 9 and 18 months of age.
- Significant differences in body mass development dynamics between male and female children were identified.
Impact:
- Provides updated reference data for child somatic development.
- Highlights potential shifts in infant growth patterns over time.
- Contributes to understanding sex-specific growth trajectories in early childhood.
Abstract:
As a result of a longitudinal study (performed 1979-1982) on the somatic development of 84 male and 91 female children from birth up to the third year of life, values of body mass expressed as distance values, increments, and growth velocity are presented. As compared to earlier investigations made in the G. D. R. and to studies from other countries differences of the dynamics of body mass development have been found: with the exception of the birth weight the body mass tends to be higher during the first six month of life in contrast to previous studies, whereas between the 9th to the 18th month of life lower values of body mass have been measured. Additional differences in the dynamics of body mass development between boys and girls are presented.