Growth spurt, relative fat distribution and physical activity of Senegalese rural male adolescents

Abstract : This study examines the height growth spurt of a group of 378 adolescent boys from rural Senegal (West Africa), along with their subcutaneous fat changes through puberty. Habitual physical activity was qualitatively estimated in a subsample of 40 adolescents via a questionnaire; it was quantitatively assessed by an accelerometer worn for 3 consecutive days. Using the Preece-Baine model, a delay of about 3 years in the growth spurt was discernable compared with CDC reference data. Despite this delay, older adolescents reached a final stature of around the 50th percentile of the reference. Subcutaneous fat increased after the age at take-off, with substantial trunk fat deposition. These adolescents appeared to be fairly active, spending 38% of their time during the day performing vigorous activities. These results are in line with other African studies describing a slow and prolonged growth process. The fat regional deposition pattern also conformed to that of adolescents from industrialized countries. No significant relationship between physical activity and nutritional status was evidenced.