Longitudinal distance growth pattern of skinfold thicknesses in Punjabi Infants

Distance growth pattern of triceps, mid-axillary and sub-scapular skinfold thicknesses based on longitudinally collected data on 154 Punjabi Infants (Male 86, Female 68) between I to 12 months of age is described. All measurements were taken by the same investigator at monthly age levels with time tolerance of +/-3 days using standard instrument and techniques. Monthly distance means and standard deviations for these measures of subcutaneous fat are presented. The distance pattern of growth of each of the three measures of subcutaneous fat is characterized by a rise to a peak before commencing to decline. The peak for sub-scapular skinfold thickness was attained at four months while it was reached at three months for triceps and mid-axillary skinfold measurements amongst male infants. Onset of similar peak for three measures of subcutaneous fat was noticed at 5 months of age in female infants. Besides, discussing issues concerning sex differences, a comparison of the skinfold data obtained on Punjabi infants with that of the infants of western origin has also been attempted. The values presented for different skinfold thicknesses may be used as reference base to assess the degree of adiposity amongst infants of Punjabi origin.