Age at Menarche in Congolese Women: Relative Importance of Determinants Linked to Physical Activity and Family Structure

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2016

Keywords

Puberty, Athletes, Africa, Family size, PEuropean Journal of Sport Studiesopulations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of family structure and physical activity on late menarche. Research Methods and Procedures: Retrospectively ages at menarche, family sizes, birth orders and other variables were studied in 238 Congolese women including 90 premenarche - trained athletes, 18 post -menarche - trained athletes and 130 non-athletes. Results: Mean age at menarche was later (p<0.001) in pre-menarche (15.36+1.04 yrs) compared to post-menarche athletes (13.93+1.03 yrs) or to non-athletes (14.03+ 1.22 yrs), but similar (p>0.4) between these two last groups. Mean birth order or birth order within a family size was higher (p<0.01) in athletes than in non-athletes. Mean family size or sex ratio did not differ between groups. Controlling for the effectof duration of training before menarche abolished family size or birth order slight effect (p<0.05) on age at menarche, while the duration of training substantial effect (p<0.001) on age at menarche persisted after controlling for family size and birth order effects. Regression analysis confirmed that duration of training wasa better predictor of age at menarche than family size or birth order in pre-menarche athletes. Conclusion : Physical activity before puberty seems to be a more important determinant of late menarchethan family structure.

Journal Title

European Journal of Sport Studies

Volume

3

Issue

2

First Page

68

Last Page

85

DOI

https://doi.org/10.12863/ejssbx3x2 - 2015x2

First Department

Physical Therapy

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