Statistical characterization of the pubertal growth spurt

Background: This is a methodical investigation into the problem of estimating parameters for the pubertal spurt (PS). The variability involved in determining the timing, intensity and duration of the PS for height, leg height and biiliac width is estimated via a realistic simulation. Further, a decomposition of adolescent growth into a component due to the pubertal peak and one due to ongoing prepubertal velocity is evaluated. Methods: Data for 120 boys and 112 girls are available from 4 weeks to adulthood. The curve-fitting method is kernel estimation for distance, velocity and acceleration. Results: The age of peak velocity and the age of stopping of the PS are well determined. In contrast, the age of onset of the PS is less well determined. Intensity is less variable for the parameter peak velocity than for maximal acceleration. It is feasible to decompose adolescent growth into a component due to the pubertal peak and one due to ongoing prepubertal growth. Conclusions: Nonparametric curve-fitting methods which do not rely on a parametric growth model can be successfully used to extract individual characteristics of the PS.