Statistische Erhebnug von Körperlänge und Gewicht bei Kindern und Vergleich mit Literaturdaten

The aim of this project was to find a major growth study in the literature that could serve as norm values for body height and body weight in Marburg (Hessen, Germany). The selected growth study should correspond as closely as possible with the values established in a sample of orthodontic patients in the Marburg region. In a sample of 987 Marburg orthodontic patients, 527 girls and 460 boys, body weight, body height, chronological age, dental age, and the body mass index (BMI) was determined before treatment. The median body weight, body height, and BMI in the yearly age classes from 8-16 years for boys and 8-17 years for girls were compared with the corresponding values from two German (Jena, Saarland) and four international growth studies (USA, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Qatar). Results: 1.)Comparison of the results for the Marburg girls with those of the boys confirmed the expected earlier onset of the growth spurt in girls. 2.)During the growth spurt the values for body height, body weight and BMI increased faster in both sexes. 3.)The almost linear trend curve in the scatter plot of the body weight against body height displayed an upward bend at the onset of the growth spurt. Thus, although both weight and height showed an increased growth during the spurt, weight increased proportionally faster than stature. 4.)In our sample, chronological age and dental age may not be regarded as being equivalent variables. 5.)After all studies were compared, the Saarland growth study appeared the best match to be used as norm values for Marburg (Germany) girls and boys.