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Physical Characteristics at Different Ages

Article in International Journal of Morphology · March 2011

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Int. J. Morphol.,
29(1):105-111, 2011.

Physical Characteristics at Different Ages

Características Físicas en Diferentes Edades

*
Agron M. Rexhepi; **Behlul Brestovci & ***Asllan Krasniqi

REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Physical characteristics at different ages. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111,
2011.

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to study, observe, and clarify the dynamics of physical growth, as well as changes
of some morphometrical and physiological variables of Kosovo population. 17,894 males from Kosovo between 6 and 51 years of age
and older, were measured:. body height, body weight, BMI, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, heart rate, and VO max were recorded.
The measurement data were processed through these descriptive statistical parameters: Mean, Standard-Deviation and the Coefficient
of Variation, SD shows the similar dispersion of results between one age and another. CV signifies the reliability of the measurements
that were carried out. The curve of body height for individuals between 6 and 17 years of age shows increases, for individuals between
18 and 40 years of age shows stable values, while for indiividuals above 40 years of age indicate a decrease. Body height difference
between adults shows that adults between 18 and 30 years old have the higher body height values, compared with the other two groups
of tested adults. Body weight for individuals between 6 and 50 years old shows consistent increase of value. In individuals above 51
years of age, body weight decreases rapidly. According to BMI values individuals between 6 and 13 years of age were underweight.
Those between 14 and 35 years of age, as well as those above 51 years of age showed normal weight. On the other hand, those between
36 and 50 years of age were slightly overweight. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were higher as age increased, however
were not above normal values. The best results of HR and VO2max were reported in adults between 19 and 27 years of age.

KEY WORDS: Body height; Body weight; BMI; Systolic pressure; Diastolic pressure; Heart rate; VO2max.

INTRODUCTION

Growth and development are the main characteristics physical activities, etc.). Both anthropological fields:
of pediatric age that are part of man who from birth to morphological (longitudinal and transversal dimensions) and
maturity. physiological field are under the influence of endogenous
factors above 90% (Rexhepi & Brestovci, 2010). Even when,
These two features are concepts closely related to impact of external factors, is much smaller in percentage
one another, as in normal conditions they move forward than the influence of endogenous factors, if operating at the
together (Rexhepi, 2009). However, they can be specified time and moment (when children's growth and
distinguished as well differentiated, and in these cases the development, as well and youth's, are in their most intensive
progression of development can be noticed with limited di- phase) is very large (Rexhepi, 2009).
mensional growth, or fast growth of the body with limited
structural and physiological differences. Assessment of man's development could be made by
different functional tests, while assessment of man's growth
Growth and development are influenced by many could be made through morphometrical measurements.
different factors, which can be divided into: endogenous Anthropometry is the single most universally applicable,
factors (genetic factors, endocrine glands and nervous inexpensive, and non-invasive method available to assess
factors) and external factors (socio-economic conditions, the size, proportions, and composition of the human body
mental status, culture, climate and season, various diseases, (BMI). At the level of the individual, anthropometry may be

*
Sport Center for Increasing of Morpho-Functional Abilities, Fitness and Nutrition, Pristina, Kosovo.
**
Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
***
University College for Sport Education, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo.

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REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Physical characteristics at different ages. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111, 2011.

used either to identify a person as being in need of special Measured variables:

consideration, to identify an individual's somatotype, or to . Body Height (Stature);
assess body composition of a person. Anthropometric . Body Weight;
indicators may be reflective of past events, predictive of . Body Mass Index (BMI);
future events, or indicative of current nutritional status . Systolic Blood Pressure;
(Anthropometry, 2010). . Diastolic Blood Pressure;
. Heart Rate;
Among the morphometrical variables that indicate . Absolute Maximal Oxygen Uptakes (VO2max.abs).
normal or abnormal body growth are body weight and its
stature. Growth in children and body dimensions at all ages Following the definitions of International Biological
reflect the overall health and welfare of individuals and Program the morphometrical measurements were taken by
populations, anthropometry may also be used to predict per- the classic anthropometrical instruments (long
formance, health, and survival (WHO, 1995). Whereas, the anthropometer, classic weigher) (Rexhepi, 2008).
body weight is three-dimensional variable, stature is one-
dimensional variable. Dynamics of growth of these two va- Body mass index was used to estimate a healthy body
riables is quite uneven. In their intensity these two processes, weight based on a person's height. It is defined as the
changed periodically. individual's body weight divided by the square of his or her
height (Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 2010;
Over the years, many somatic like changes occur in the Body Mass Index, 2010).
elderly:
The term blood pressure refers to the pressure
· Loss of muscle (sarcopenia) and bone mass, physical measured at a person's upper arm (inside of an elbow, at the
instability and frailty lead to postural alterations; brachial artery). This variable was measured using a
· Shrinkage of skin layers and loss of subcutaneous fat sphygmomanometer and stethoscope.
confound skinfold and other measurements;
· Contractures and loss of cognitive function prevent The heart rate was measured by stethoscope on cord-
completion of measurements and limit ability to provide apex.
informed consent for research and treatment.
Absolute maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max.abs.)
Due to bone loss, loss of cartilage, compression of was calculated by Dobeln formula.
joints, and gravity, both sitting height and stature decline as
the individual ages. Also, elderly individuals often suffer The measurements' data were processed through these
flat feet and intervertebral disc compression that lead to descriptive statistical parameters:
additional loss of sitting height and stature (Douglas, 2008).
- Mean (X), Standard Deviation (St. Dev.), and the
The aim of this study was to study, observe, and Coefficient of Variation (CV).
clarify the dynamics of physical growth, as well changes of
some morphomterical and physiological variables of Kosovo The coefficient of variation represents the ratio of
population, from 6 years of age to above 51 years of age. the standard deviation to the mean, and it is a useful statistic
for comparing the degree of variation from one data series
to another, even if the means are drastically different from
MATERIAL AND METHOD each other.

CV = (X/St.Dev.) x 100
This study is a part of a project titled "The exploration
of the anthropological status of Kosovo population".
RESULTS
To explore morphometrical and physiological
distinctions between entities at different ages, transversal
search method was used. Seven variables of these two Data of Table I show the movement of mean values
anthropological fields were measured on 17.894 males from of seven measured variables for each group of individuals
Kosovo, from 6 years old to 51 years and older. The from one age to another. All measured variables' in generally,
measurements have been done on period of time 2007 – 2010. except heart rate, with increase of age show the increase of
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REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Physical characteristics at different ages. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111, 2011.

their values. While the heart rate, with increasing of age, lar dispersion of standard deviation from one age to another,
shows decrease of its values. for values of all measured variables, signifies the reliability
of the measurements that were done.
Data of Table II show the values of standard deviation
for each measured variable, of each group of entities, The coefficient of variation for each variable, of
according to their age. This statistical measure indicates how individuals of different ages, which is contained in the data
much variation, each variable has from the mean value, of Table III, is a very important measure of reliability. It is
respectively, their dispersion around the mean value. A low very useful in explaining the standard deviation of data which
standard deviation indicates that the data points tend to be must always be understood in the context of the mean of the
very close to the mean, whereas high standard deviation data. The values of coefficient of variation that contained in
indicates that the data is spread out over a large range of Table III are relatively low. Their similar dispersion from one
values. Except variable of body height, the other variables age to another for all measured variables indicates the
have relatively low values of standard deviation. The simi- reliability of the measurements that have been done.

Table I. Mean values of measured variables.

Nº of Ages Body Height Weight BMI Sist BP Diast BP HR0’ VO 2 max.abs
entities
57 6 1211 21.3 14.4 92 57 102 x
177 7 1245 22.9 14.7 95 60 100 1.8
179 8 1300 25.6 15.1 97 62 95 x
249 9 1351 27.9 15.2 102 67 97 2.4
283 10 1407 33.3 16.6 104 70 91 2.4
592 11 1457 37.2 17.4 105 72 87 2.7
1078 12 1503 40.1 17.6 106 72 86 2.6
1308 13 1566 44.7 18.0 108 73 84 2.7
1368 14 1643 51.1 18.8 112 75 83 2.8
1425 15 1705 57.0 19.6 115 77 80 3.0
1457 16 1746 62.4 20.4 116 77 78 3.2
1707 17 1763 65.8 21.1 116 77 75 3.3
1591 18 1773 68.2 21.7 116 77 73 3.4
1239 19 1776 69.5 22.0 117 77 72 3.5
929 20 1780 70.8 22.3 116 77 71 3.5
760 21 1784 72.6 22.8 118 78 71 3.6
616 22 1784 73.0 23.0 117 78 71 3.5
436 23 1780 73.7 23.3 119 79 72 3.5
367 24 1780 74.4 23.5 116 78 71 3.5
284 25 1787 75.4 23.6 120 80 70 3.4
233 26 1786 75.7 23.7 117 79 70 3.5
191 27 1780 75.2 23.7 119 79 71 3.3
178 28 1782 76.0 23.8 119 81 71 3.4
149 29 1773 75.9 24.1 117 79 73 3.3
113 30 1764 75.4 24.2 117 80 70 3.2
450 31-35 1779 77.4 24.4 119 80 72 3.2
226 36-40 1771 80.8 25.7 121 82 74 2.9
182 41-50 1762 82.7 26.6 126 84 78 2.8
70 51< 1680 69.8 24.7 137 82 80 2.5

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REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Physical characteristics at different ages. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111, 2011.

Table II. Standard deviation of measured variables.

Ages Body height Weight BMI Sist BP Diast BP HR0’ VO2 max.abs
6 56.07 3.59 1.45 10.15 8.06 11.55 x
7 63.19 4.00 1.60 10.58 9.64 14.45 .00
8 64.50 4.71 1.76 10.59 9.34 13.15 x
9 73.51 5.86 2.01 9.45 8.53 15.09 0.15
10 74.01 7.93 2.53 11.74 8.31 15.18 0.23
11 76.80 8.96 3.14 10.41 7.90 12.95 0.37
12 76.56 8.94 2.90 10.40 7.88 12.70 0.38
13 88.82 10.00 2.69 10.77 8.26 12.48 0.26
14 89.54 10.59 2.60 11.75 7.91 12.93 0.44
15 75.71 9.46 2.36 11.68 8.04 13.31 0.47
16 68.53 8.76 2.26 11.34 7.40 12.25 0.34
17 62.79 8.03 2.12 12.15 7.54 11.96 0.31
18 63.34 7.97 2.05 12.67 8.03 11.67 0.29
19 64.43 8.04 2.01 12.76 7.82 11.67 0.33
20 64.15 8.06 2.08 12.61 7.68 11.53 0.33
21 64.04 8.28 2.10 11.76 6.85 11.99 0.32
22 64.48 8.48 2.19 12.30 7.62 11.75 0.33
23 65.19 8.33 2.08 13.35 8.23 12.30 0.37
24 64.90 9.07 2.20 12.88 8.24 12.56 0.37
25 63.04 9.49 2.36 15.26 7.58 11.29 0.38
26 66.25 8.93 2.28 12.20 8.19 12.46 0.44
27 57.20 8.22 2.27 12.77 7.68 14.10 0.34
28 67.47 8.75 2.22 14.14 7.52 16.31 0.40
29 59.03 10.37 2.80 11.71 8.35 11.90 0.35
30 69.10 10.06 2.58 10.39 6.91 9.89 0.43
31-35 62.67 10.27 2.78 12.42 7.42 12.25 0.34
36-40 63.72 10.68 2.79 15.75 9.35 11.87 0.38
41-50 57.83 12.12 3.29 15.40 8.20 14.09 0.30
51< 72.90 12.40 3.84 22.08 12.67 12.43 .00

The data of Table IV, show differences between and adolescents, the horizontal part of the curvature shows
mature groups of tested individuals, on the variable of body the period of mature age, whereas the declining part of the
height. The comparisons of the results between different curvature shows the period of older age.
generations indicate that the younger generation (18-30 years
old) has realized the higher values of body height, than other
groups of tested individuals. DISCUSSION

Figure 1 graphically shows the changes of body

height, according to age. According to the curvature of this According to the results of this study, with regard to
figure, as well data of Table I, it is easy to differentiate three its purpose, we may clarify the dynamics of physical growth,
different stages of the development of a human body. The as well changes of some morphomterical and physiological
up-growth part of the curvature shows the period of children variables of Kosovo population, at different ages.

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REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Physical characteristics at different ages. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111, 2011.

Table III. Coefficient of variation for measured variables.

Ages Body height Weight BMI Sist BP Diast BP HR0’ VO2 max.abs
6 4.63 16.82 10.06 10.98 14.03 11.35 x
7 5.08 17.50 10.90 11.19 16.14 14.51 .00
8 4.96 18.38 11.68 10.87 14.99 13.83 x
9 5.44 20.99 13.22 9.30 12.81 15.57 5.89
10 5.26 23.82 15.23 11.24 11.83 16.73 9.70
11 5.27 24.08 18.04 9.95 11.01 14.96 13.62
12 5.09 22.31 16.48 9.81 10.94 14.69 14.82
13 5.67 22.36 14.92 9.93 11.31 14.79 9.38
14 5.45 20.73 13.85 10.51 10.59 15.60 16.05
15 4.44 16.57 12.08 10.18 10.51 16.71 15.56
16 3.93 14.04 11.09 9.79 9.65 15.79 10.34
17 3.56 12.20 10.03 10.44 9.76 15.90 9.24
18 3.57 11.68 9.46 10.90 10.41 16.03 8.55
19 3.63 11.56 9.12 10.95 10.14 16.17 9.48
20 3.60 11.38 9.33 10.87 9.91 16.35 9.43
21 3.59 11.41 9.24 9.97 8.76 16.86 9.08
22 3.61 11.56 9.50 10.44 9.73 16.59 9.50
23 3.66 11.30 8.93 11.21 10.48 17.18 10.45
24 3.65 12.18 9.37 11.06 10.51 17.65 10.51
25 3.53 12.58 10.01 12.71 9.48 16.04 11.01
26 3.71 11.80 9.61 10.43 10.40 17.85 12.80
27 3.21 10.93 9.56 10.77 9.69 19.73 10.40
28 3.79 11.57 9.32 11.90 9.32 22.84 11.86
29 3.33 13.66 11.61 10.00 10.51 16.39 10.86
30 3.92 13.34 10.66 8.86 8.66 14.20 13.53
31-35 3.53 13.26 11.39 10.47 9.30 17.00 10.71
36-40 3.60 13.21 10.85 13.02 11.35 16.08 13.12
41-50 3.28 14.65 12.38 12.26 9.76 17.96 10.69
51< 4.34 17.76 15.55 16.07 15.48 15.50 .00

Body Height (Stature). Analyzing the data of Tables I, II, explained with the phenomenon of acceleration (influence
and III, as well Fig. 1, we may evaluate the differentiation of psycho-socio-economical factors on growth and
of the variable body height during different ages. In the age development of the humans), as well as with influence of
group of 17 year olds, the curve of body height shows age.
increases. After this age group and up to the age 40 year,
body height has achieved its stable values (horizontal part Table IV. Average values of Body Height for different age
of the curve) (WHO). The adults older than 40 years show groups.
decrease of the values of body height. Ages Nº of entities Body height
18-30 7086 1779.2
Difference between adults' on body height shows that 31-40 676 1775.0
adults between 18-30 years old have realized the higher
41-50 182 1762.0
values of body height (1779.2 cm), compared with other
two groups of tested adults (Table IV). This fact can be >51 70 1680.0

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REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Physical characteristics at different ages. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111, 2011.

Fig. 1. Graphic presentation of the changes of body height, by age.

Body Weight. Body weight, from 6 years of age up to 50 individuals, at different ages, have increased their values,
years of age, consistently shows increase of its value. but not above normal value (DeVries, 1986; McArdle,
While, at the ages above 51 of age, body weight decreases 1996; Scott, 2001).
rapidly.
Heart Rate and Absolute Maximal Oxygen Uptakes
Body Mass Index (BMI). For adults who have stopped (VO2max.abs). Heart Rate and Absolute Maximal Oxygen
growing, an increase in BMI is usually caused by an Uptakes (VO2max.abs) show similar results. The better
increase in body fat, while as children grow, their amount results of both variables have been reached in adults aged
of body fat changes and so will their BMI (Percentage of from 19 years old to 27 years. Both other extremities of
body fat). For this reason BMI usually decreases during tested individuals (younger and older than these ages) have
preschool years and then increases in adulthood (BMI). been characterized with lower results of these two varia-
Even if, the healthy weight range for adults of a BMI of bles. While, the young individuals are still in the
20 to 25 is not a suitable measure for children, according development period of their functional abilities, the older
to the results of BMI we can conclude that the individuals adults begin to lose these abilities (NISMAT; About.com,
up to the age of 13 years old, shows to be underweight. To 2010; McArdle, 1996; DeVries, 1986; Scott, 2001).
have more accurate results of BMI for children or
adolescents, this variable must be corrected with regard Standard Deviation shows the similar dispersion
to their age, as well gender (percentile charts). of results at different ages, for values of all measured va-
riables (Table II). Also, the normal dispersion of the results
The tested entities between ages 14 years and 35 was verified by the Coefficient of Variation, which
years old, as well ages above 51 years old, according to signifies the reliability of the measurements that were
their BMI, showed to be in normal weight. Whereas, the completed (Table III). The exceptions of this normal
individuals’ ages 36 years to 50 years, showed to be dispersion showed the individuals of age groups 13-14
slightly overweight (Chau, 2008; Wollanski, 1985). years old, which have shown their higher values of Stan-
dard Deviation, and Coefficient of Variation on the varia-
Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure. ble of body height, which can be explained by the growth
Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in all tested spurt during puberty that occurs at this age.

110
REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Physical characteristics at different ages. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111, 2011.

REXHEPI, A. M.; BRESTOVCI, B. & KRASNIQI, A. Características físicas en diferentes edades. Int. J. Morphol., 29(1):105-111, 2011.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar, observar, y para aclarar la dinámica de crecimiento físico, así como los
cambios de algunas variables morfométricas y fisiológicas de la población de Kosovo. En 17.894 hombres en Kosovo, de entre 6 y 51
años, se tomaron las siguientes medidas: Altura y peso corporal, IMC, presiones sistólica y diastólica, frecuencia cardíaca, VO2 máx. Los
datos fueron procesados a través de los siguientes parámetros estadísticos descriptivos: media, desviación estándar y coeficiente de
variación. La DS muestra la dispersión de los resultados de acuerdo a la edad. CV determina la fiabilidad de las mediciones que se
hicieron. La curva de la altura del cuerpo entre 6-17 años de edad aumentó entre los 18 y 40 años de edad, mientras que para individuos
de más de 40 años la curva disminuye. La altura corporal mostró que los adultos entre 18-30 años son más altos, en comparación con
otros dos grupos. El peso corporal aumenta desde los 6 a los 50 años edad, mientras que después de los 51 años se produce rápidamente
su disminución. De acuerdo a los valores de IMC, los individuos entre 6-13 años de edad presentaban bajo peso. Los individuos entre 14-
35 años y superiores a 51 años presentaban un peso normal. Los individuos entre 36-50 años, presentaron un ligero sobrepeso. Aumen-
taron las presiones sistólica y diastólica de acuerdo a la edad, pero no por encima del valor normal. Los mejores resultados de la
frecuencia cardiaca y VO2máx se alcanzaron en los adultos entre 19 y 27 años.

PALABRAS CLAVE: Altura del cuerpo; Peso corporal; IMC; Presión sistólica; Presión diastólica; Frecuencia cardíaca;
VO2 máx.

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