Longitudinal Study on the Growth and Maturation of Individual Children

Abstract

As children grow, their physical functions and motor fitness develop with age. Besides the age, the growth and development are affected by the environmental conditions including nutrition, physical activity, social and cultural surroundings and climate (Tanner, 1962; Kawahata et a1, 1971; Shepherd, 1982). The relation between the growth and development of children and the environmental factors was studied statistically by means of regional differences (Tamura et al, 1971; Yagi et a1, 1974). The statistical studies sometimes veil the individual growth problems. This study is focussed on the longitudinal growth processes of physique, physical function and motor fitness of individuals.