Am J Hum Biol. 2025 Sep;37(9):e70129. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.70129.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe inter-individual variation in growth velocity during puberty among Brazilian children, considering maturity status to better understand differences in the timing and intensity of growth spurts.
METHODS: Longitudinal stature data from 398 Brazilian children (197 girls, 201 boys) aged 6-19 years, collected annually from 1997 to 2010, were analyzed. Growth and velocity curves were estimated using the SITAR model within a Bayesian framework. Maturity groups were classified based on the standard deviation of the estimated age at peak growth velocity, categorizing participants as early, average, or late maturers.
RESULTS: The mean age at peak growth velocity was 11.30 years for girls and 13.55 years for boys. Mean peak velocities were 8.38 and 9.52 cm/year, respectively. Pubertal takeoff occurred at 8.41 years for girls and 11.19 years for boys, with mean velocities of 5.85 and 5.43 cm/year. Early maturers exhibited earlier onset and higher growth velocities, while late maturers showed delayed growth for both sexes.
CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability in growth velocity patterns during puberty was observed. Compared to Northern Hemisphere populations, Brazilian children experienced earlier and more intense pubertal growth spurts. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for maturational timing in physical education planning, training load management, and pediatric growth assessment.
PMID:40878738 | DOI:10.1002/ajhb.70129
