ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the anticipated changes in proportional body growth for the ratio of head length to total body length, head circumference, sitting height, shoulder and hip width, and physique classifications. It explains the relationship between maturation and motor performance. The chapter explores explore why it is important to study and understand the patterns of human growth. Growth in overall stature is the sum of growth of the head, neck, trunk, and legs. Since the legs experience maximum growth first, longer legs relative to total stature, has been found to influence both walking and running speed. The chapter describe changes in the relationship between head length and total body length; changes in the center of gravity; and changes in head circumference. It also describes changes in sitting height as it compares with stature and changes in shoulder width as contrasted with growth in hip width.
