Measurement of the growth of children at weekly intervals: Results

Rev Sci Instrum. 2021 Feb 1;92(2):024104. doi: 10.1063/5.0036736.

Abstract

In our previous paper [M. Rępalska et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 90, 024103 (2019)], a new method for measuring the growth of children based on the measurement of the lower leg length during foot movement was described. This current paper presents more measurements being conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed arrangement. The study was carried out at weekly intervals with a research group amounting to 20 participants. The presented results show that the method allows for the identification of even a weekly increase in the lower leg length at different velocities of growth. In addition, the method enables the estimation of the trend characterizing each individual and can distinguish the periods of time during which perturbative factors in the process of growth may arise. A metrological analysis was also conducted, allowing a qualitative evaluation of the results, which are presented together with the measurement uncertainties.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Foot / growth & development
  • Foot / physiology
  • Growth and Development*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Movement
  • Time Factors