Reference values for the 6-min walking test in children and adolescents living in a moderate altitude region of Peru.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness is important because it allows the identification of subgroups with poor health status and the targeting of effective intervention strategies to improve health. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiorespiratory capacity of children and adolescents living in a moderate altitude region of Peru with international studies and to develop reference values for the 6-min walk test (6MWT) according to age and sex. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study of schoolchildren from a region of moderate altitude in Peru was carried out. A total of 704 schoolchildren (400 males and 304 females) with an age range of 6 to 17 years were studied. Weight, standing height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) were evaluated. The 6MWT was assessed in a straight line over a distance of 30 m. Percentiles were created through the LMS method [L (skewness: lambda), M (median: mu) and S (coefficient of variation: Mu)]. RESULTS: There were discrepancies in cardiorespiratory fitness performance with international studies by age and sex. The schoolchildren in the study reached stability and the highest number of meters in the last two age ranges (14 to 15 years: 698.1 m and 16 to 17 years 686.3 m in males). While females (14 to 15 years: 698.1 m and 16 to 17 years: 686.3 m). The proposed percentile values show ascending values as age advances. The cut-off points adopted are: low cardiorespiratory fitness < p25, moderate p25 to p75 and high cardiorespiratory fitness p > 75. CONCLUSION: We verified that the cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated by means of the 6MWT is ascending with the course of age. Even the performance with other countries is heterogeneous at early and middle ages, stabilizing during adolescence. The proposed reference values can be used to evaluate and monitor cardiorespiratory fitness during physical education classes.

Body surface area is a predictor of maturity status in school children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Generally, Body surface area (BSA) changes significantly during growth and maturation. These increases portend a possible relationship between body size as determined by BSA with maturational status in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between maturity status (MS) obtained by non-invasive anthropometric methods and body surface area (BSA) in children and adolescents of both sexes in a regional population of Chile. Additionally, we sought to verify the type of linear or nonlinear relationship between MS and BSA in both sexes. METHODS: A descriptive (cross-sectional) study was designed in 950 children and adolescents of both sexes (539 males and 411 females). The age range ranged from 6.0 to 17.9 years. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated: body weight, standing height, sitting height. MS was assessed by means of two non-invasive anthropometric techniques. Both techniques predict peak years of growth velocity (APHV) through a regression equation for each sex. BSA (m2) was estimated by means of the Haycock equation. RESULTS: The R2 in the linear model is relatively lower (R2 = 0.80 to 0.89 in males and 0.74 to 0.66 in females) in relation to the nonlinear quadratic model (R2 = 0.81 in males and 0.76 to 0.69). The quadratic nonlinear quadratic model reflected an adequate fit (RMSE) for the data set, being in men (RMSE = 1.080 and 1.125), while in women (RMSE = 1.779 and 1.479). CONCLUSION: BSA is positively associated with MS determined by two non-invasive methods in Chilean children and adolescents: The nonlinear quadratic model was a better fit to the data distribution. The results suggest the use of BSA as a possible predictor of maturity status in Chilean youth.

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome in High-Altitude Regions: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has many risk factors that are important to investigate in populations living at sea level and in high-altitude geographic regions. The aim was to identify the components of MS that cross-sectional studies use to assess in adult populations residing in high-altitude regions. Materials and Methods: A systematic review study was conducted. The Pubmed database was used. The search for original articles (cross-sectional) was performed from January 2013 to December 2020. The procedure was carried out by two researchers. The keywords used were metabolic syndrome, adults, and altitude regions. The search strategy considered the components of the PICOS tool. Results: Ten cross-sectional studies were identified in the Pubmed database from 2014 to 2020. Altitude levels varied between countries and regions, from 2060 to 4900 m above sea level. Three studies were conducted in both China and Peru, two studies in Ecuador, and one in Bolivia and India. The age ranges studied were from 18 to ~80 years of age, approximately. The components used to assess MS in most studies (between 9 to 10 studies) were body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and serum glucose (SG). Conclusions: This systematic review verified that the most commonly used domains in adult populations in various moderate- and high-altitude regions of the world are BMI, WC, BP, TG, HDL, and SG. These results suggest that in order to evaluate and/or investigate MS in subjects residing in high-altitude populations, at least four diagnostic domains should be considered in their protocols.

[Effects of physical exercise on aerobic fitness and cognition in older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de marcha sobre las capacidad aeróbica y la función cognitiva en mujeres diabéticas de edad avanzada.

BACKGROUND: Among older people, physical exercise improves cognitive function, aerobic fitness, and thus functional independence. AIM: To determine the effects of a walking training program on aerobic fitness and cognitive function in older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental study was carried out in 76 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged between 64 and 78 years. Thirty-eight women in the exercise group (EG) participated in a controlled walking program 3 times a week for 48 sessions (60min /day) and 38 women in the control group (CG) were not trained. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and cognitive function using the Minimental test were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention. RESULTS: The Minimental test improved significantly in the exercise group and did not change in the control group. Estimated VO-2max improved in women aged between 69 and 78 years. The distance walked in 6 minutes increased in all women of the experimental group. No changes in these parameters were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A structured walking program improved cognitive function, estimated aerobic capacity, and walking distance in these diabetic women.

Bibliometric Study of Scientific Productivity on the Impacts on Mental Health in Times of Pandemic.

Background and Objectives: The presence of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus is causing enormous threats to people's health and lives, so quantifying the scientific productivity on mental health in times of pandemic is an urgent need, especially to expand the degree of knowledge on mental health problems in regions of low scientific productivity. The aim was to characterize the bibliometric indicators of scientific productivity on mental health during the pandemic in the PubMed Identifier database of the National Library of Medicine in the United States. Materials and Methods: A documentary study (bibliometric) of the scientific productivity on mental health in times of pandemic from January 2020 to June 2021 was carried out. The PubMed database was used to abstract the information from the original scientific articles. The data abstracted were: authors, year of publication, journal name, country, and language of publication. Results: We identified 47 original articles worldwide, which were published in 29 journals and in three languages (English, Spanish, and German). We observed three groups of countries that published on mental health topics. The first group comprised the largest number of publications, which were multicenter studies (six studies), followed by India (five studies), and Italy (four studies). A second group comprised Bangladesh, China, USA, and Spain, with 3 studies each; and a third group comprised 13 countries (Albania, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, and New Zealand) with one study each. Conclusions: Bibliometric indicators of scientific productivity on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic have ostensibly increased. We verified 47 studies in PubMed, which could serve to improve the understanding and management of COVID-19, as well as serve as a thought-provoking means for other countries and researchers to publish on the state of mental health during and post pandemic.

Physical growth and body adiposity patterns in children and adolescents at high altitudes in Peru: Proposed percentiles for assessment.

OBJECTIVES: This study's purpose was to compare physical growth (PG) patterns of children and adolescents living at high elevations with those of other geographic regions, relate body adiposity indicators, and develop percentile reference tables for assessing physical growth and body adiposity. METHODS: The sample included 1536 children and adolescents ages 5.0 to 17.9 years from Puno (Peru) located between 3821 and 4349 m above sea level. Weight, height, arm and waist circumferences (WC), and three skinfolds measurements were recorded. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-height Index (WHI) were calculated. RESULTS: PG patterns for children living at a high altitude reflected similar values for weight, height, and arm circumference (AC) to those of their counterparts living in Puno (Peru) and La Paz (Bolivia). When compared with children living at moderate altitudes in Peru, they showed slightly lower PG values. BMI explained between 41% and 64% of the variance in sum of the skinfolds, while WC explained between 47% and 66%. HWI was not a strong predictor of variation in sum of skinfolds. Percentiles were generated for WC and the sum of skinfolds. CONCLUSION: Weight, height, and, arm and waist circumference patterns for children and adolescents living at high altitudes were similar to those of La Paz (Bolivia). WC and the sum of the skinfolds were better indicators for analyzing abdominal obesity compared to BMI and WHI. The percentiles proposed may be a useful tool for identifying high risk of developing overweight disorders in pediatric populations living at high altitudes.

[Development of equations based on Body Mass Index to estimate fat mass in older people]. / Validez de ecuaciones y propuesta de valores referenciales para estimar la masa grasa de adultos mayores.

BACKGROUND: Excess fat mass (FM) has a higher risk of producing sarcopenia, physical deterioration and reduced quality of life in older people. AIM: To propose regression equations based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) to predict fat mass using double energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the gold standard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 1,188 participants (523 men and 665 women) aged 60 to 85 years. Ten percent of these (59 men and 60 women) were randomly selected to propose FM equations using DXA. The remaining 90% was used to calculate FM and develop percentiles. RESULTS: Two equations were proposed to estimate FM [men: FM = -29,502+ (1,912 * BMI) R2 = 79%, women: FM = -9,891+ (1,323 * BMI) R2 = 80%]. Ten, 50, 85 and 95 percentiles were developed to evaluate FM. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed reliable regression equations and referential values to estimate FM in older people.

Hand grip strength and maximum peak expiratory flow: determinants of bone mineral density of adolescent students.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining and building healthy bones during the lifetime requires a complicated interaction between a number of physiological and lifestyle factors. Our goal of this study was to analyze the association between hand grip strength and the maximum peak expiratory flow with bone mineral density and content in adolescent students. METHODS: The research team studied 1427 adolescent students of both sexes (750 males and 677 females) between the ages of 11.0 and 18.9 years in the Maule Region of Talca (Chile). Weight, standing height, sitting height, hand grip strength (HGS), and maximum peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured. Furthermore, bone mineral density (BMD) and total body bone mineral content (BMC) were determined by using the Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Hand grip strength and PEF were categorized in tertiles (lowest, middle, and highest). Linear regression was performed in steps to analyze the relationship between the variables. Differences between categories were determined through ANOVA. RESULTS: In males, the hand grip strength explained 18-19% of the BMD and 20-23% of the BMC. For the females, the percentage of variation occurred between 12 and 13% of the BMD and 17-18% of the BMC. The variation of PEF for the males was observed as 33% of the BMD and 36% of the BMC. For the females, both the BMD and BMC showed a variation of 19%. The HGS and PEF were divided into three categories (lowest, middle, and highest). In both cases, significant differences occurred in bone density health between the three categories. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the HGS and the PEF related positively to the bone density health of both sexes of adolescent students. The adolescents with poor values for hand grip strength and expiratory flow showed reduced values of BMD and BMC for the total body. Furthermore, the PEF had a greater influence on bone density health with respect to the HGS of the adolescents of both sexes.

[Relationship between body adiposity and horizontal jump in school children and adolescents]. / Relación entre adiposidad corporal y salto horizontal en niños y adolescentes escolares.

A high level of physical fitness in childhood and adolescence is associated with more favorable phy sical and mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare body adiposity and horizontal jump per formance with international studies and to analyze the relationship between body adiposity and ho rizontal jump performance indicators in children and adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive study conducted on 812 adolescents from Talca (Chile), with an age range between 10.0 and 16.9 years. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and Horizontal jump (HJ) were evaluated after warm-up for 10 to 15 minutes to evaluate the explosive strength of the lower extremities according to the protocol of Castro-Piñero et al. Adiposity and HJ were compared with national and international studies. The data normality was verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Smoothed percentile cur ves (p50) were created for BMI, WC, and HJ for each gender according to the LMS method. RESULTS: Adolescents showed differences in body adiposity and HJ performance with international studies. In both genders, negative and significant correlations were found between the BMI and the HJ (men r = -0.104 and women r = -0.149) and between the WC and the HJ (men r = -0.100 and women r = -0.131). The adolescents who were classified in tertile 1 (good) and tertile 2 (satisfactory) had lower body adiposity (BMI and WC) and better HJ performance than those in tertile 3 (poor). CONCLUSION: Higher body adiposity and lower HJ performance were observed compared to international studies. In addition, a negative relationship between body adiposity and HJ was found. These findings suggest that the progressive increase of adiposity as age increases negatively affects the strength performance of the lower extremities of the studied children and adolescents.

Secular trends of physical growth and abdominal adiposity of school children and adolescents living at a moderate altitude in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: Identify changes in physical growth and abdominal adiposity at an interval of 14 years in children and adolescents living at a moderate altitude in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data comes from two cross-sectional studies carried out in the city of Arequipa, Peru, located at a moderate altitude of 2,320 meters. In 2001, 473 males and 482 females were assessed, and in 2015, 432 males and 403 females between 6.0 and 12.9 years old were evaluated. Data were collected in public state schools and measured using the anthropometric variables for weight, height, and waist circumference. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated according to age and sex. RESULTS: Positive trends for weight were identified for both males and females at all ages (p < .001). For height, significant increases were observed in males for all ages. No significant increases (p > .05) occurred in height for females between the ages of 6 and 8 years. However, commencing at age 9 until 12 years, females showed positive and significant increases (p < .001) in height. In 2015, BMI and waist circumference increased significantly for both sexes at all ages. DISCUSSION: Between 2001 and 2015, positive trends in physical growth and abdominal adiposity were identified for children and adolescents living in Arequipa, Peru. These changes may be associated with the rapid economic development in the country.

Linear and nonlinear relationships between body mass index and physical fitness in Brazilian children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the linear and curvilinear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness in children and adolescents. METHODS: Participants were 4567 (2505 girls) children aged 6-16 years. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated and adjusted for age and sex using WHO z-scores. Physical fitness was evaluated with the following tests: Yo-Yo test, standing long jump, seated 2-kg medicine ball throw, and 20-m dash. Participants were grouped into two groups according to their maturity status, estimated as years from peak height velocity. Associations were determined with linear and nonlinear quadratic regression models. RESULTS: The nonlinear quadratic regression coefficient was significant for the 20-m dash among girls of both maturity status levels, and in maturity status level 1 boys; for the standing long jump among boys of both maturity status levels, and in maturity status level 1 girls. The Yo-Yo test was only significant for maturity status level 1 boys. For the medicine ball throw, the linear regression coefficient was significant for both maturity status levels in both sexes. Almost all physical fitness items were observed to have meaningfully large nonlinear relationships with BMIz, but they were not all significant due to the small sample size, especially in maturity status level 2. CONCLUSION: The association between BMI and physical fitness is nonlinear in the majority of its components, and those with lower and higher BMI had poorer fitness.

Physical Growth and Biological Maturation of Children and Adolescents: Proposed Reference Curves.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The study of physical growth variables in terms of chronological age and biological maturation may provide a common reference point to reflect on the occurrence of body dimensions in and between individuals. The objectives of this study were as follows: (a) verify if the observed gender differences in the variables of physical growth by chronological age are confounded by physical maturation, (b) compare physical growth patterns with the reference of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-2012, and (c) develop regional curves to assess physical growth in terms of biological maturation. METHODS: Researchers studied 3,674 children and adolescents. Weight, standing height, and sitting height were measured. Biological maturation was determined by using the age of peak velocity growth. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Growth variables were compared with the CDC-2012 reference. Percentiles were calculated by the LMS method. The students differed in weight and BMI when compared to the reference individuals. The differences in weight, standing height, and BMI between both genders are more pronounced when they are aligned with biological age rather than chronological age. CONCLUSION: Weight and BMI differ from the reference. Furthermore, the assessment of the physical growth trajectory should be analyzed in terms of biological maturation. The proposed regional curves may be used in and applied to clinical and epidemiological contexts.

[Physical activity patterns of school adolescents: Validity, reliability and percentiles proposal for their evaluation]. / Patrones de actividad física de adolescentes escolares: validez, confiabilidad y propuesta de percentiles para su evaluación.

Regular physical activity (PA) during childhood and adolescence is important for the prevention of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. OBJECTIVES: To validate a questionnaire for measuring patterns of PA, verify the reliability, comparing the levels of PA aligned with chronological and biological age, and to develop percentile curves to assess PA levels depending on biological maturation. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on a sample non-probabilistic quota of 3,176 Chilean adolescents (1685 males and 1491 females), with a mean age range from 10.0 to 18.9 years. An analysis was performed on, weight, standing and sitting height. The biological age through the years of peak growth rate and chronological age in years was determined. Body Mass Index was calculated and a survey of PA was applied. The LMS method was used to develop percentiles. RESULTS: The values for the confirmatory analysis showed saturations between 0.517 and 0.653. The value of adequacy of Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) was 0.879 and with 70.8% of the variance explained. The Cronbach alpha values ranged from 0.81 to 0.86. There were differences between the genders when aligned chronological age. There were no differences when aligned by biological age. Percentiles are proposed to classify the PA of adolescents of both genders according to biological age and sex. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire used was valid and reliable, plus the PA should be evaluated by biological age. These findings led to the development of percentiles to assess PA according to biological age and gender.

Changes in abdominal obesity in Chilean university students stratified by body mass index.

BACKGROUND: Studies based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are generally used to examine the prevalence and tendency of overweight and obesity. These studies help determine the socioeconomic development of a country and improve public health policies. Therefore, the goal of this research was to determine the trend of change in abdominal obesity of Chilean university students according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) measured in intervals of three and six years. METHODS: For this study, a total of 1598 students of both sexes ranging in age from 18 to 26 from a Chilean university were evaluated. Students were assessed commencing in 2007 (372 males and 315 females), 2010 (250 males and 330 females), and ending in 2013 (153 males and 178 females). During the three transversal assessments, weight, height, and waist circumference were evaluated. BMI was calculated for both sexes. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in age and BMI during the three years evaluated (2007, 2010, and 2013). In 2013, waist circumference (WC) increased significantly (p < 0.001 for both sexes). Moreover, in 2013, in all the percentiles evaluated, high values of WC were compared in relation to previous years. Furthermore, in 2013, in all four BMI categories (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese), the university students showed significant increases in WC (Females: p = 0.004; Males: p = 0.035) whereas in 2007 and 2010, the values remained relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS: BMI remained constant during 2007, 2010, and 2013. However, the university students of both sexes showed greater risk of abdominal obesity as a result of increased WC in 2013.

[Nutritional status in children with intellectual disabilities based on anthropometric profile]. / Perfil antropométrico en función del estado nutricional de niños con discapacidad intelectual.

INTRODUCTION: Anthropometric variables such as weight, height and body length in children and adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities should be studied in connection with nutritional status, physical growth and biological maturation. OBJECTIVE: a) to analyze the anthropometric profile based on nutritional status, b) to determine the prevalence of overweight and short stature c) to propose equations for predicting height from anthropometric variables. METHODS: A total of 49 children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, and from a special education school were studied (30 boys and 19 girls). Weight, height, trunk-cephalic height, forearm and foot length were evaluated. The calculation of nutritional status resulted in the establishment of nutritional categories: underweight, normal and overweight. RESULTS: The anthropometric profile of males varies significantly when classified according to nutritional categories (P<.05); however no variations were observed in the girls (P>.05). Also, high values of overweight prevalence were observed in both genders (43% of boys and 26% of girls). Variables such as age, weight, length of the forearm in females, and foot length in males are good predictors of height (R(2) = 91-94% males and R(2) = 87% females). CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of overweight cases were observed; therefore, rigorous control and monitoring of nutritional status are suggested. The proposed regression equations could be an option in schools to easily and simply predict height.

Growth and body composition in Brazilian female rhythmic gymnastics athletes.

The aim was to analyse the physical growth and body composition of rhythmic gymnastics athletes relative to their level of somatic maturation. This was a cross-sectional study of 136 athletes on 23 teams from Brazil. Mass, standing height and sitting height were measured. Fat-free and fat masses, body fat percentages and ages of the predicted peak height velocity (PHV) were calculated. The z scores for mass were negative during all ages according to both WHO and Brazilian references, and that for standing height were also negative for all ages according to WHO reference but only until 12 years old according to Brazilian reference. The mean age of the predicted PHV was 12.1 years. The mean mass, standing and sitting heights, body fat percentage, fat-free mass and fat mass increased significantly until 4 to 5 years after the age of the PHV. Menarche was reached in only 26% of these athletes and mean age was 13.2 years. The mass was below the national reference standards, and the standing height was below only for the international reference, but they also had late recovery of mass and standing height during puberty. In conclusion, these athletes had a potential to gain mass and standing height several years after PHV, indicating late maturation.

[Cardiorespiratory capacity in children living at moderate altitude]. / Capacidad cardio-respiratoria de niños escolares que viven a moderada altitud.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cardiorespiratory capacity of school children living at moderate altitude. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 795 children (394 children and 401 girls) were selected from urban public schools in Arequipa, Peru at moderate altitude (2,320 m). Anthropometric variables (body mass, height, body fat percentage) and cardiorespiratory capacity were assessed using the Course Navette test, considering the following categories: deficient, poor, fair, good, very good and excellent. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences in all categories (p<0.05). It was described that the median values of the poor and deficient categories in both gender were lower than what is considered acceptable (p<0.05). It was concluded that 19% of boys and 21% of girls showed low level of cardiorespiratory capacity and a low negative correlation with overweight (r=-0.20 to -0.22) and a moderate negative correlation with obesity (r=-0.39 to -0.42) were described for both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of cardiorespiratory capacity in boys and girls living at moderate altitude are observed, which is negatively correlated with excess body weight. The results suggest that 1 in 5 children are likely to suffer some type of cardiovascular event.

Phase angle and its determinants among adolescents: influence of body composition and physical fitness level.

To examine the association between levels of physical fitness, parameters of body composition and phase angle (PhA) amongst adolescents. A total of 152 adolescents (84 girls) aged 11-16 years were included in this study. Weight and height were measured and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provided resistance and reactance parameters to calculate fat-free mass (FFM), PhA and fat mass (%FM). The following physical fitness variables were analysed: flexibility, abdominal muscular endurance, upper and lower limb explosive strength, agility, speed and cardiorespiratory fitness. Generalized Linear Models were applied to verify differences across sexes. Stepwise linear regression was used to establish an association between the variables studied. The study established an association between PhA and weight, FFM, BMI, FM, %FM and medicine ball throw (MBT) for girls. As for the boys, an association was verified between PhA and weight, FFM, BMI, standing long jump (SLJ), MBT and the three allometric VO2peak variables analyzed. An association was found between PhA and the boys' 4-m shuttle run test (4SRT) and 20-m sprint test (20SRT). Boys showed a greater phase angle than girls; In girls, BMI and %FM, were determinant of 32.4% (r = 0.57). PhA variability which is influenced by physical fitness, body composition and, therefore, the tissues electrical conductivity. Furthermore, boys' height, FFM, upper limb strength, and agility account for 58.4% (r = 0.76) PhA variability. There was a positive correlation between the physical fitness tests and the PhA.

Parameters of pubertal growth spurt in children and adolescents living at high altitude in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to estimate the pubertal growth height of children and adolescents living in a high-altitude region of Peru using the Preece-Baines model 1 (1 PB). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in schoolchildren from the department of Puno (Peru) between 3841 and 3874 masl. The age range was between 4 and 17 years. Standing height was evaluated. 1 PB was used to infer the mathematical and biological parameters of stature. RESULTS: Mathematical parameters estimated by the 1 PB model reflected small residual standard error (RSE) values in both sexes (0.25 in boys and 0.27 in girls). In boys, the age at which peak velocity was reached (APHV) was estimated at 13.21 ± 0.33years. While in girls it was 9.96 ± 0.26years (p < 0.05). In general, girls reached APHV (y) 3.25 years earlier than boys. On the other hand, the growth velocity of maximum height [APHV (cm/y)] of boys was higher (6.33 ± 6.06 cm/y) relative to girls (6.06 ± 0.32 cm/y). Estimated final adult height (EFAH) in boys was reached at 166.020 ± 0.99 cm and height at maximum growth velocity (HPHV) was 153.07 ± 0.67 cm, while in girls they were significantly lower (EFAH; 153.74 ± 0.44 cm and HPHV: 139.73 ± 0.84 cm). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that girls living in Puno at a high altitude in Peru reached APHV 3 years earlier than boys and at the same time reflected slower PHV. These results suggest that pubertal growth at high altitudes is slower in both sexes and especially in girls. Thus, modeling physical growth may be an important step in understanding the onset of puberty at different latitudes.