Dynamics of Growth in 9–14-year-old Bulgarian Boys and Girls

Abstract

The physical development of the human body is used as an objective indicator of the health status and work capability of the population. Height and weight are the main anthropometric traits which vary and change significantly during the growth period and are used as a base for the development of anthropometric standards at different ages. The aim of this study is to assess the basic anthropometric traits in adolescent boys and girls in Bulgaria in order to establish age- and sex-specific variation in growth. During the period 2016–2018, a transversal anthropometric study in five secondary schools in Sofia, Bulgaria was conducted. A total of 424 adolescents (211 boys and 213 girls) aged 9 to 14 years were studied. Anthropometric measurements were performed according to the classic 1957 methodology of Martin-Saller. Statistically significant sex differences (p<0.05) were indicated for height and weight in the age periods: 10–11 years, with priority for girls and 13–14 years, with priority for boys. Age-related differences (p<0.001) in the age period 9–14 years were also observed. Physical development of adolescent Bulgarian students follows the general trends of the postnatal ontogenesis, reflected in increasing the sizes of anthropometric features highlighted in 10–11-year-olds girls and 13–14-year-olds boys. These new data for height, weight, and BMI in 9–14-year-old Bulgarian students might be a practical addition in the pediatric practice of monitoring of children’s health.