Linear skeletal growth was reduced with increased blood lead, even at levels below that considered for action by US CDC standards. The reduction in height occurred primarily in leg length. Arm length was also reduced, suggesting limb lengths in general were affected by blood lead. Results are consistent with lead-associated interruption of (1) major epiphyseal growth plate chondrocyte hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and interrupted matrix calcification as a primary cause of stunted long bone growth, and reduced stature; and (2) attenuated osteoblast activity (proliferation and migration) as a secondary cause of stunted growth in the study population.

Sex Differences in Growth and Performance of Track and Field Athletes 11-15 Years Objective: To evaluate sex differences in functional performances of youth track and field athletes. Methods: Four tests of functional capacity were administered to 309 youth 11-15 years training for track and field at sport schools, 136 boys and 173 girls. Grip strength, standing long jump, 2 kg medicine ball throw and 20 m sprint were measured; height, weight and adiposity were also. Two age groups were compared, 11-13 and 14-15 years. ANCOVA was used to test sex differences by age group in the total sample (disciplines combined) and specific disciplines; age, height and weight were covariates. Results: For the total sample, males in both age groups performed better than females in the four tests but sex differences were greater among 14-15 year olds. Within disciplines, sex differences among sprinters and middle distance and distance runners were greater at 14-15 years. Results varied for general athletics; the magnitude of sex differences was similar for strength in both age groups, greater for the throw at 11-13 years and greater for the jump and sprint at 14-15 years. Conclusion: Although sex differences in performance were apparent among athletes 11-13 years, they were greater among athletes 14-15 years, reflecting to a large extent the male adolescent spurt in body size, muscle mass, strength and power. Sex differences were more established in sprinters and middle distance and distance runners, and more variable in participants in general athletics.

Purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between physical fitness and various aspects of quality of life in middle-aged adults and the elderly. Methods. The sample included 216 women and 43 men, living in a medium-sized city in Poland aged 50-84 years. Physical fitness was determined using a test battery specifically designed for the elderly (Senior Fitness Test); grip strength by the dominate hand was also measured. The short form of the WHOQOL-brEF questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life. Four domains (physical, psychological, social relationships, environment) of quality of life as well as overall quality of life and health were self-assessed. Results. Among the selected components of physical fitness measured in the study, the assessment of overall quality of life in women was related to upper limb strength and, depending on the quality of life domain, also with upper or lower body flexibility. In men, the only factor influencing their overall assessment was upper body flexibility, whereas cardiorespiratory efficiency was the only factor influencing their detailed self-assessment of the physical health domain. Additionally, the self-assessment of general health in men was significantly positively correlated with cardiopulmonary efficiency. In women, the general health assessment was correlated with upper limb strength and upper body flexibility. Conclusions. It was concluded that after the fifth decade of life, physical fitness plays a greater role in improving the self-assessment of quality of life in women than men. Physical activity undertaken by middle-aged and elderly adults should focus on first improving cardiorespiratory efficiency and then strength and flexibility.

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The majority of Polish older adults were not at risk for loss of physical independence. The most functionally independent adults of both sexes had a lower BMI and less obesity, and were physically more active; the converse was true for those not meeting the criteria.

Direct effects of blood lead level on indicators of physical fitness in school age youth are not evident. Blood lead level adversely affects physical fitness indirectly through growth stunting.

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