Abstract des Autors

Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, skinfolds), motor performance (dash, standing long jump, throw, hand grip strength), and a submaximal step test were performed in 348 Senegalese children (168 boys and 180 girls) between 5 and 13 years of age. Girls tended to have higher anthropometric values than boys, but boys were superior in motor tasks and presented a better cardiorespiratory response to exercise. Children were delayed in growth compared with the WHO/NCHS reference data and could be considered as mild-to-moderately undernourished. Variance in motor performance was partly explained by body dimensions. In children older than 7 years, those with high BMI performed better in all tasks than those with low BMl. Functional consequences of chronic malnutrition are an important issue in rural African society where subsistence depends on physical work. Verf.-Referat