Body dimensions of Québecois children

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of sociocultural factors upon the body dimensions of primary school children (age 6-12 years) living within a uniquely francophone region of Québec. Data was collected prospectively on 546 students, drawn in approximately equal numbers from the two sexes and from urban and rural environments. Habitual activity was modified by allocating a half of the sample to an experimental programme that incorporated an additional five hours of required endurance activity per week into the primary school curriculum. Body dimensions at any given age were less in rural than in urban Québec, probably because of continuing socio-economic constraints. However, an increase of habitual physical activity did not modify body size. Stature was comparable with Demirjian 's Montr eal sample of francophone children, but was less than for anglophone children. Our within-sample variance suggests that socio-economic factors could explain only a part of the discrepancy. Relative to Toronto students, other dimensions such as height were affected less than standing height.