Gender Differences in Body Build and Physiological Functions in the Adult Population of Yucatan, Mexico

This study, conducted in 1994–95, evaluates differences in body build, blood pressure and respiratory functions between sexes and age groups of low socioeconomic strata individuals living in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The cross-sectional sample includes 344 males and 320 females, 20–98 years of age divided into six age groups (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ years) by sex. Differences between age cohorts in height, weight, fatness, systolic blood pressure, and most respiratory variables (excluding expiratory reserve volume, minute ventilation and respiration rate) are greater among women than in men. The more marked secular trend in stature and bigger biological differences between age cohorts in women might have its beginning in 19th century when living conditions of women were worse than those of men. Only since the last decades of 20th century, migrations and improvements in living conditions might caused more drastic changes in women of low social strata than in men. Results of regression analysis show a greater relationship between studied variables in women than in men what confirms that women are less sensitive to environmental factors. A pattern of changes in minute ventilation (MV) with rising age of the cohorts differs between men and women (smaller differences appear in the women’s cohort) Also a different pattern (MV) is seen in European populations. The latter may suggest existence of some adaptational phenomena to the local environment

Childhood socioeconomic position and objectively measured physical capability levels in adulthood: a systematic review and meta-analysis

<p><b>Background:</b> Grip strength, walking speed, chair rising and standing balance time are objective measures of physical capability that characterise current health and predict survival in older populations. Socioeconomic position (SEP) in childhood may influence the peak level of physical capability achieved in early adulthood, thereby affecting levels in later adulthood. We have undertaken a systematic review with meta-analyses to test the hypothesis that adverse childhood SEP is associated with lower levels of objectively measured physical capability in adulthood.</p> <p><b>Methods and Findings:</b> Relevant studies published by May 2010 were identified through literature searches using EMBASE and MEDLINE. Unpublished results were obtained from study investigators. Results were provided by all study investigators in a standard format and pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. 19 studies were included in the review. Total sample sizes in meta-analyses ranged from N = 17,215 for chair rise time to N = 1,061,855 for grip strength. Although heterogeneity was detected, there was consistent evidence in age adjusted models that lower childhood SEP was associated with modest reductions in physical capability levels in adulthood: comparing the lowest with the highest childhood SEP there was a reduction in grip strength of 0.13 standard deviations (95% CI: 0.06, 0.21), a reduction in mean walking speed of 0.07 m/s (0.05, 0.10), an increase in mean chair rise time of 6% (4%, 8%) and an odds ratio of an inability to balance for 5s of 1.26 (1.02, 1.55). Adjustment for the potential mediating factors, adult SEP and body size attenuated associations greatly. However, despite this attenuation, for walking speed and chair rise time, there was still evidence of moderate associations.</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> Policies targeting socioeconomic inequalities in childhood may have additional benefits in promoting the maintenance of independence in later life.</p&gt

Growth and social environment. Proceedings of the 25th Aschauer Soiree, held at Krobielowice, Poland, November 18th 2017

Twenty-two scientists met at Krobielowice, Poland, to discuss the impact of the social environment, spatial proximity, migration, poverty, but also psychological factors such as body perception and satisfaction, and social stressors such as elite sports, and teenage pregnancies, on child and adolescent growth. The data analysis included linear mixed effects models with different random effects, Monte Carlo analyses, and network simulations. The work stressed the importance of the peer group, but also included historic material, some considerations about body proportions, and growth in chronic liver, and congenital heart disease