Abstract

The secular trend in body size and maturity is well documented. There is a need, however, for additional data on secular changes in body proportions and composition. The methodology of studies used for secular comparisons must be carefully considered, and both methodological and secular changes must be taken into account. The fact that the secular trend is continuing in some countries and has stopped in others emphasizes the need for updating referencedata. Methodological problems are especially important in secular comparisons of strength and performance. Testing techniques and conditions quite often vary. Nevertheless, evidence indicates a secular improvement in muscular strength.Relationships between size an maturity on one hand, and strength andperformance on the other are reasonably well established. Since strenght is related to body size and advanced maturity status, it is reasonable to assume that the secular increase in strength, limited mostly to measures of grip strength, is largely related to the secular increase in overall body size as reflected in height and weight. Further, secular advances in maturity status imply the attainment of greater heights and weights at earlier ages than in the past. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)