81010024

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幼児における足長の季節変動と身長および体重の発育速度との関連

Seasonal Variations in the Growth Rate of Foot Length and the Relationship between the Foot Length and Weight/Height increments in Preschool Children

神戸大学大学院人間発達環境学研究科研究紀要

11(1)

75-79

神戸大学大学院人間発達環境学研究科

2017-09-30

2018-01-12

Background: Many parents in Japan buy children's shoes without taking this practical aspect into consideration. As a result, many children are wearing ill-fitting shoes. This can cause deformation of the toes by hallux valgus, flat feet, bunionette, among other ailments, and can result in retarded arch formation and other foot problems. Studies on the effect of seasonality on changes in height and weight have been investigated, but, to the author's knowledge, there has been no study of seasonal changes in foot growth. An investigation into the seasonality of foot growth in children is important for correct shoe fitting. Methodology: A total of 154 children (69 boys and 85 girls), aged between 4 and 5 years took part in the study. Foot length (FL) was measured at 3-month intervals between 2014 and 2015, using a foot scanner. The relationship between foot length and width, and height increase and weight gain was investigated to compare and clarify any patterns of seasonal variations found. Aim: To describe the seasonal pattern of growth and analyze the relationship between foot length/width and height increase/weight gain in pre-school children. Results: Statistically significant seasonal variations were found in growth rates for FL, which was faster in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. The rate of increase in both height and weight was rapid in autumn, but the rate of increase in FL was slow. Increases in the rate of FL followed an age-dependent seasonal pattern. Conclusion: The study suggests that seasonality affects FL and height and weight increments, but that weight gain does not follow the same pattern and may be the result of a different mechanism.

紀要論文