Physical performance capacity of children in Norway. V. The influence of social isolation on the rate of growth in body size and composition and on the achievement in lung function and maximal aerobic power of children in a rural community

Abstract

This paper tested the hypothesis that social isolation of children brings about a reduced pattern of habitual physical activity, influences body composition during growth, and hampers development of physical performance capacity. Two cohorts of children were studied, one living at or close to the center, the other living in the periphery of the community of Lom in Southern Norway. The two cohorts of children differed in their patterns of physical behavior, but were otherwise similar in genetic traits, nutrition, and environmental conditions. During a 4-year period the two cohorts of children were tested annually. The center children were leaner, and their maximal oxygen uptake and forced expiratory volume were greater in all years of growth when related to body size.