ABSTRACT
I. Introduction................................................................................. 115 II. Growth Process ........................................................................... 116
III. Adolescence................................................................................. 116 IV. Hormonal Changes During Adolescence .................................. 117 V. Changes Of Growth .................................................................... 118
VI. Psychological Changes ............................................................... 118 VII. Pubertal Growth ......................................................................... 119
VIII. Changes In Body Composition .................................................. 120 IX. Assessment Challenges: Validity, Reliability and Efficacy ...... 121 X. Anthropometry............................................................................ 121
XI. Body Composition ...................................................................... 125 XII. Summary...................................................................................... 130
References ............................................................................................. 131
The average layperson considers the process of growth an uncomplicated and uniform affair whereby a young person simply becomes taller and heavier. However, the process of growth is far more complicated. Although individuals follow similar general growth trends, certain important differences are specific to each individual. The two primary indicators of growth status and the most common anthropometric measurements are stature (standing height) and body mass (body weight). The accurate measurement of these physical characteristics tells us a great deal about maturation and nutritional status and enables a basis of comparison between individuals of the same chronological age. The variability in the timing of puberty also has important physical, social and psychological consequences. Implications for
physical growth include differences in size and shape as reflected in stature, body mass, body proportions and body composition. In adolescent athletes, linear growth may provide an indication of general health and nutrition and adequacy of energy intake in relation to training volume.
