Abstract
New cross-sectional SD growth charts from birth to maturity were drawn up, using the most recent national data. The report on mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) of height and weight of children at each year of age between 5 and 17, surveyed by the Japanese Ministry of Education in 1990, and growth data on infants and preschool children under 6 years surveyed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1990, were used as the basic data for the present study. The mean heights and weights were plotted on a graph and respectively connected to form smooth curves by eye-fitting technique, and the mean growth curves were constructed. M±SD and M±2SD of height and weight were plotted at points distant one and two SD from the mean growth curve, respectively, and these points were connected smoothly to construct an SD growth curve superimposed on the mean growth curve.
