(MDPI, 2022) Correa Rodríguez, María; Gómez Campos, Rossana; Cossío Bolaños, Marco Antonio; Campo-Lucumí, Florelba; González Ruiz, Katherine; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Context-specific information, including differences in geographical areas, such as distinct
altitudes, can be important to explain variations in physical growth. We aimed to compare the
estimation of maximum growth velocity and pubertal growth-spurt parameters of children and
adolescents living at low and moderate altitudes in Colombia. A cross-sectional study, including a
representative cohort of 30.305 (51% boys) children and adolescents aged 1–18 years from Colombia,
was performed. The heights were measured with standardized techniques. The Preece–Baines
growth model was used to estimate the mathematical and biological parameters of the height-growth
velocities and growth spurts for both sexes. The altitudes were categorized as low (18 to 564 m
above sea level) or moderate (2420 to 2640 m above sea level). There were no differences in final
height (h1
), peak height velocity size (hθ
), age at peak height velocity (APHV), or peak height velocity
PHV (cm/y) between the subjects living in both altitudes (p > 0.05). The APHV was estimated at
12.75 ± 0.75 years in the boys and at 10.05 ± 0.65 years in the girls. The girls reached the APVH
2.70 years earlier than the boys. Regarding the PHV, the boys reached higher growth velocity, which
was 6.85 ± 0.55 cm/y. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in final height, peak
height, APHV, or PHV between the children and adolescents living at distinct altitudes in Colombia.
The PHV occurred approximately 3 years earlier in the girls than in the boys. Furthermore, the
girls’ estimated PHV, APHV, and final height were lower than those of the boys. This study allows
additional insight into pubertal growth-spurt parameters and also provides a valuable reference
database for the assessment of Colombian children and adolescents.
