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Secular trends in human growth, maturation, and development.

A F Roche

    Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development
    |January 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary

    Human growth rates have accelerated globally over the last century, leading to increased stature and earlier maturation. These secular trends are linked to environmental factors and nutrition, with varying impacts across populations.

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    Area of Science:

    • Human Biology
    • Anthropometry
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Significant increases in childhood growth rates and maturation have been observed globally over the past 50-100 years.
    • These secular trends are more pronounced in developed countries, with notable variations in birth length and childhood stature across nations.
    • Observed changes include increased stature, accelerated maturation, and shifts in body proportions and composition.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze secular trends in human growth rates, maturation, and body composition over the past century.
    • To investigate geographical and demographic variations in these growth trends.
    • To explore potential contributing factors, including nutrition, environmental improvements, and genetics.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of historical anthropometric data, including recumbent length, stature, birth weight, and body proportions.
    • Comparison of growth and maturation rates across different age groups, sexes, and national populations.
    • Examination of nutritional intake, socioeconomic factors, and health practices as potential influences.

    Main Results:

    • Childhood stature has increased significantly (approx. 1.5 cm/decade for 12-year-olds), with smaller increases in young adults.
    • Maturation has accelerated, evidenced by an earlier age at menarche (0.3 years/decade), which has plateaued in some regions.
    • Body composition shows increased subcutaneous fat and absolute strength, though relative strength has decreased; changes in body proportions vary by sex and population.

    Conclusions:

    • Secular trends in human growth are complex, influenced by a combination of factors beyond simple nutritional changes.
    • Environmental improvements, such as better health practices and living conditions, likely play a significant role.
    • While nutrition and genetics may contribute, the magnitude of observed changes suggests broader environmental influences are key drivers.

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