射击运动员赛前焦虑和尿儿茶酚胺水平变化分析

目的:研究射击运动员赛前焦虑和尿儿茶酚胺水平的变化,探寻判断运动员赛前焦虑的方法。方法:利用高效液相色谱分析技术,分别测定20名上海市射击运动员在一场国内比赛前4周(T1)、2周(T2)和1周(T3)时晨尿肾上腺素、去甲肾上腺素和多巴胺的水平,采用运动竞赛状态焦虑量表,测量并结合认知状态焦虑(S1)、躯体状态焦虑(S2)和状态自信心(S3)得分,进行统计分析,寻找反映赛前焦虑的特征性指标。结果:运动员尿肾上腺素和多巴胺排出量T2时段较T1时段、T3时段较T2时段均显著升高(P<0.05),运动竞赛状态焦虑量表S1和S2得分T2时段较T1时段、T3时段较T2时段均显著升高(P<0.05),而T3时段S3得分较T2时段无明显变化。T1、T2、T3时段认知状态焦虑得分和肾上腺素的相关系数分别为0.80、0.65和0.73(P<0.05),躯体状态焦虑得分和肾上腺素相关系数分别为0.69、0.77和0.62(P<0.05),躯体状态焦虑得分和多巴胺的相关系数分别为0.61、0.42和0.46(P<0.05)。结论:尿肾上腺素和多巴胺水平与赛前焦虑相关,结合运动竞赛焦虑状态量表得分,可用于判断运动员赛前焦虑状态。     

空军地勤人员角色认知、自我效能感与职业倦怠相关性的调查分析

目的探讨空军地勤人员的职业倦怠与角色认知、自我效能感的相关性,以期为地勤人员的心理研究提供参考。方法采用军人职业倦怠量表、角色认知量表和自我效能感量表,对204名空军地勤人员进行测评,分析职业倦怠量表得分与角色认知得分、自我效能感得分之间的相关关系。结果 (1)空军地勤人员职业倦怠总分及各因子分均显著高于军人常模(P<0.05或0.01)。(2)军官的职业倦怠总分、成就感、躯体化、自我评价、人际关系得分均明显高于士兵(P<0.05或0.01)。(3)空军地勤人员职业倦怠总分和各因子与角色模糊、角色冲突和自我效能感具有显著相关性(P<0.05或0.01)。结论空军地勤人员存在较严重的职业倦怠感,其同角色认知和自我效能感有显著的因果关系,需重视培养其角色认知能力,提高自我效能感,以降低职业倦怠水平。     

军人心理核心素质量表B式的研制

目的 研制军人心理核心素质量表B式,并对其进行信、效度检验.方法 采用理论分析方法,根据心理测量学原则,初步构建一般认知能力的五因子模型.编写初量表的条目,结合专家评价法和预测验的统计分析结果,反复修改和筛选条目,最后确立军人心理核心素质量表B式,量表包括5个分测验和25个条目.随机整群抽取健康官兵1200名进行正式测试,分析其中1143份有效问卷的项目分析结果、Cronbach'α系数、分半信度和结构效度.4周后,从1143名官兵中随机选取50人进行重测,计算重测信度.随机选取200人施测军人团体智力测验B式,分析军人心理核心素质量表B式与军人团体智力测验B式测试结果间的相关性.由20个班的班长根据统一标准对本班士兵进行综合评价,从1143名受试者中筛选表现优秀和表现一般的士兵各50名,比较两组士兵在军人心理核心素质量表B式得分上的差异.结果 军人心理核心素质量表B式各分测验平均难度为0.44～0.80,平均区分度为0.31～0.50.量表及各分测验的重测相关系数为0.6253～0.9558(P<0.01).Cronbach'α系数为0.6033～0.8943(P<0.01).分半相关系数为0.6576～0.9032(P<0.01).验证性因素分析表明,样本数据与量表的五因子模型拟合良好.各分测验之间,以及分测验与总分的相关系数分别为0.2103～0.4462(P<0.01)、0.6022～0.7337(P<0.01).军人心理核心素质量表B式与军人团体智力测验B式检测结果的相关系数为0.2427～0.5814(P<0.01).表现优秀组的总分和各分测验得分均显著高于表现一般组.结论 军人心理核心素质量表B式的信度和效度均符合心理测量学要求.     

真实世界中基于人工智能骨龄测量系统TW3-Carpal和TW3-RUS的临床应用差异

目的利用真实世界的数据探讨基于人工智能(AI)骨龄测量系统的Tanner-Whitehouse(TW)3评分系统中尺骨、桡骨、短骨(RUS)和腕骨(Carpal)骨龄临床应用中的差异。方法回顾性收集2021年7月至9月于首都儿科研究所附属儿童医院行左侧手腕部X线正位片检查的262例儿童的影像资料。采用AI骨龄辅助软件分别采用TW3-RUS和TW3-Carpal标准对入组影像资料进行骨龄评估, 得到AI骨龄。由两名高年资儿科影像医师依据TW3-RUS和TW3-Carpal标准进行评估, 所得骨龄结果的平均值作为金标准。根据金标准获得的骨龄以3岁为间隔进行分层, 骨龄1～3、4～6、7～9、10～12、13～15和16～18岁的例数分别为10、35、70、118、27、2例。使用组内相关系数(ICC)评估AI骨龄与金标准骨龄结果的一致性, 采用Pearson相关法分析AI骨龄与金标准骨龄的相关性。采用配对t检验比较不同骨龄段内AI测定的TW3-RUS与TW3-Carpal骨龄的差异。结果整体样本中AI测定的TW3-RUS和TW3-Carpal骨龄分别为(8.9±3.1)和(8.7±3.0)...     

缺血性脑卒中患者急性期认知功能状况调查与分析

目的:调查了解缺血性脑卒中患者急性期认知功能状况。方法:采用简易精神状态检查量表(MMSE)及蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)对缺血性脑卒中48例发病7天内的认知功能状况进行测评。结果:58.3%的缺血性脑卒中患者存在认知功能障碍;视空间与执行功能、命名、语言重复及流畅得分与MoCA总分显著相关(P<0.05),其余各项得分与MoCA总分无显著相关性(P>0.05);视空间与执行功能、命名、计算力及抽象能力标准化回归系数与总分显著相关(P<0.05),按照标准化回归系数高低排序依次为视空间与执行功能、命名、计算力及抽象能力。结论:58.3%的缺血性脑卒中患者存在认知功能障碍,应进行有针对性的干预。     

基于深度学习的骨龄评估系统对生长发育异常儿童骨龄评测的准确性

目的探讨基于深度学习的人工智能(AI)系统评估生长发育异常儿童骨龄的准确性。方法回顾性连续收集2020年1月至2021年12月于贵州医科大学附属医院就诊的生长发育异常儿童的左手腕部X线正位片, 共入组717例儿童, 男266例、女451例, 年龄2～18(11±3)岁。基于Tanner Whitehouse 3(TW3)-RUS(尺骨、桡骨、短骨)和TW3-Carpal(腕骨)法, 由3名高年资医师评测骨龄, 并取3者的均值作为参考标准。由AI系统(深睿医疗Dr.Wise骨龄预测软件)和2名低年资放射科医师(医师1、医师2)独立评测骨龄, 并分别计算骨龄结果与参考标准骨龄之间误差在0.5年内的准确度、1年内的准确度、平均绝对误差(MAE)和均方根误差(RMSE)。以配对样本t检验比较AI系统和低年资医师间的MAE。采用组内相关系数(ICC)评价AI系统、低年资医师评测骨龄与参考标准骨龄之间的一致性。绘制Bland-Altman图, 计算AI评测骨龄与参考标准骨龄之间95%一致性界限。结果对TW3-RUS骨龄, 与参考标准相比, AI系统、医师1、医师2误差在0.5年内的准确度分别为75...     

8～10岁女生姿势控制功能发育特点及其与认知功能的相关分析

目的:探讨8～10岁女生姿势控制功能的发育特点及其与认知功能的关系。方法:随机选取某小学2～4年级女生90名,分为8、9、10岁组,每组30人;选取某大学健康的女大学生30名,作为成人组。采用美国产计算机平衡功能测试仪(Balance Master 8.0版)定量评价被试的姿势控制功能,采用瑞文标准推理测验评价小学女生的认知功能。结果:(1)静态平衡测验中,8、9岁组女生在闭眼稳定平台、睁眼及闭眼站在海绵垫上的重心晃动度均大于成人组,8岁组女生睁眼和闭眼站立在海绵垫上的重心晃动度均显著大于10岁组(P均<0.05)。(2)动态平衡测验中,8、9、10岁组女生左右方向运动的方向控制性均低于成人组(P<0.05);8、9岁组女生在前后方向的中、慢速运动的方向控制性均低于10岁组和成人组(P均<0.05);8岁组女生在快速运动中的方向控制性均低于其他组(P均<0.05)。(3)8岁组女生瑞文标准推理测验总分与节律性运动的方向控制性呈正相关,9岁组女生与闭眼海绵垫上站立时的重心晃动度呈负相关(P均<0.05)。结论:8～9岁女生姿势控制功能尚处于过渡期,10岁女生的姿势控制能力基本发育成熟。8～9岁女生姿势控制功能与认知功能相关。     

青海省西宁市青少年腕部骨龄评价

目的 探讨青海省西宁市(海拔2 000 m以上)青少年骨发育变化趋势.方法 采用分层整群抽样调查的方法,随机选取在西宁出生、生活、体检健康的973例7～16岁青少年(男498例,女475例)为研究对象,按CHN法进行手腕部骨龄评价.结果 西宁地区青少年骨龄与生活年龄相关,男:r=0.948,女:r=0.923.依据CHN法测定骨龄,西宁市青少年骨龄和生活年龄比较,男性青少年骨龄7～10岁组明显低于生活年龄(P<0.01),11岁后虽然低于 生活年龄,但与生活年龄比较无统计学意 义(P>0.05),而女性青少年骨龄7岁、8岁组低于生活年龄(P<0.05),10岁后接近生活年龄.结论 西宁市青少年骨发育具有地区性特点,10岁前青少年骨发育落后于低海拔地区.     

手腕部桡尺骨骺线骨龄评价方法

目的:提出手腕部桡尺骨骺线骨龄评价方法。方法:研究样本为15~20岁的4359名(男1940名,女2419名)城市正常青少年。在受试者生日前后15日内拍摄左手腕正位X线片。将桡尺骨远端骺线消失过程划分为5个等级,以分类特征评分算法计算骺线等级得分,以Box-Cox幂指数分布模型拟合骺线成熟度得分百分位数曲线。结果:拟合曲线的百分位数与期望值差异大都小于3%,所拟合的百分位数曲线基本上反映了骺线成熟度得分的数据分布。结论:应用手腕部桡尺骨骺线指征将以往手腕部骨龄方法的评价范围扩展到了男20岁、女19岁。     

计算机辅助评估骨龄(中国人手腕骨发育标准CHN法的计算机化)

目的:把中国人手腕骨发育标准CHN骨龄评估法计算机化,以期提高骨龄评估的快速易用性及准确性。方法:笔者将CHN骨龄评估法计算机化,并配以计算机化的标准图谱编制成骨龄辅助评估应用软件,并对39 份2～17岁儿童手腕骨,共546 块骨的X片进行计算机辅助骨龄评估法与人工骨龄评估法的骨发育分级的一致性和所用时间进行对照。结果:计算机辅助法骨发育分级的一致性明显高于人工法(P< 0.01),并且骨龄评估所需的时间亦明显少于人工法。结论:本系统骨龄评估的快速易用性、准确性及重复性明显优于人工法,值得推广应用     

Validity and reliability of the Fels physical activity questionnaire for children

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Fels physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) for children 7-19 yr of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 girls and 99 boys in elementary (N=70), middle (N=81), and high (N=78) schools in rural Maryland. Weight and height were measured on the initial school visit. All the children then wore an Actiwatch accelerometer for 6 d. The Fels PAQ for children was given on two separate occasions to evaluate reliability and was compared with accelerometry data to evaluate validity. RESULTS: The reliability of the Fels PAQ for the girls, boys, and the elementary, middle, and high school age groups range was r=0.48-0.76. For the elementary school children, the correlation coefficient examining validity between the Fels PAQ total score and Actiwatch (counts per minute) was 0.34 (P=0.004). The correlation coefficients were lower in middle school (r=0.11, P=0.31) and high school (r=0.21, P=0.006) adolescents. The sport index of the Fels PAQ for children had the highest validity in the high school participants (r=0.34, P=0.002). CONCLUSION: The Fels PAQ for children is moderately reliable for all age groups of children. Validity of the Fels PAQ for children is acceptable for elementary and high school students when the total activity score or the sport index is used. The sport index was similar to the total score for elementary students but was a better measure of physical activity among high school students.     

中国人手腕骨发育标准—中华05.III.中国儿童骨发育的长期趋势

目的观察中国儿童骨发育的长期趋势,为合理应用我国不同时期的骨发育标准提供参考。方法以1988年、2005年骨发育调查样本为对象。以概率单位回归方法计算各样本儿童的手腕骨化中心出现年龄和融合年龄。以CHN法评价2005年样本儿童各年龄组的骨龄,并与生活年龄比较。结果与1964年的儿童相比,1988年儿童手腕骨化中心出现年龄和融合年龄均提前;而与1988年样本比较,2005年男女儿童掌指骨骨化中心出现年龄均提前0.5岁~1.0岁,掌指骨的骺干融合年龄分别提前1.0岁和1.0~1.5岁;2005年不同年龄组男女儿童的CHN骨龄分别提前0.3岁~1.1岁和0.2岁~1.0岁。结论近40年来,中国儿童骨发育表现出加速的长期趋势,应当慎用1964年和1988年骨龄标准评价当代中国儿童的骨发育状况。     

20-MST and PWC170 validity in non-Caucasian children in the UK.

The validity was investigated of 20-MST (20 Metre Endurance Shuttle Run Test) and PWC170 (Physical Working Capacity) field tests with laboratory-measured peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in a multiracial UK population of 12-year olds: 103 subjects completed the 20-MST and 96 of these completed the PWC170. To assess validity, a laboratory treadmill test was completed by ten boys and ten girls who had performed both field tests. VO2peak was 43.8 ml kg-1 min-1 for boys and 38.5 ml kg-1 min-1 for girls. Pearson product-moment correlation showed 20-MST to be a reliable measure of cardiorespiratory fitness (r = 0.83, boys; r = 0.76, girls, P less than 0.03), while correlations with PWC170 were lower (r = 0.64, boys; r = 0.54, girls) and not significant. The 20-MST was consistent in retest (n = 20) - reliability coefficients r = 0.73, boys; r = 0.88, girls; P less than 0.01. The results suggest 20-MST is a valid, measure of fitness in this population when compared with VO2peak. PWC170 is less valid, possibly due to cultural and social backgrounds. The cycle test was inappropriate in this population, especially for girls unaccustomed to exercise and cycling. The 20-MST test is recommended for large groups of children when facilities are limited. It requires limited skill or habituation and is relatively non-invasive.     

Evaluation of the thyroid blood flow with Doppler ultrasonography in healthy school-aged children

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between thyroid blood flow and anthropometric measurements, pubertal stage, and thyroid and gonadotropic hormones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 123 healthy school-aged children prospectively (69 boys (56.1%) and 54 girls (43.9%), 7-17 years old). Their sex, age, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and pubertal stage were determined. Serum thyrotropin, free thyroxine, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone were measured in both genders, along with testosterone in boys and estradiol in girls. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) of the superior thyroid artery were determined. The correlations between the Doppler parameters and these factors were investigated. RESULTS: There were no differences in age, weight, height, BMI, thyroid volume, PSV, RI, or PI between boys and girls (P>0.05). The PSV and PI showed strong correlations with age, height, weight, puberty stage, thyroid volume, and BMI. The RI showed a strong inverse correlation with age, height, weight, puberty stage, and thyroid volume and a weak inverse correlation with the BMI. CONCLUSION: Determination of the thyroid arterial flow in normal healthy children is important during a Doppler ultrasound (US) examination. Doppler US parameters and their percentiles should be described in healthy children from different age groups, and these percentiles will aid in interpreting Doppler US in children.     

Physical activity and self-perception in school children assessed with the Children and Youth--Physical Self-Perception Profile

AIM: This study validated the Swedish translation of the Children and Youth--Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP) scale and examined the relation between physical self-perception and daily physical activity as well as the relationship between physical self-perception and body mass index (BMI) among Swedish school children. METHODS: Forty-eight children aged 11-12 years completed the CY-PSPP twice with 2 weeks in between. Test-retest reliability, concurrent and content validity were calculated. Five hundred and one children, aged 10-14 years, were measured for height and weight and perceived physical self-perception. Activity levels were analyzed using pedometers for 4 consecutive days. RESULTS: Good validity concerning concurrent and content validity was found. Test-retest reliability over a 2-week period was acceptable. In boys a fair and in girls a poor correlation between the sub-domains of the CY-PSPP and physical activity were found and a fair negative correlation between the sub-domains and BMI except for Physical Strength. CONCLUSION: The CY-PSPP distinguishes between children with low and high physical self-perception. The information is of importance when designing physical activity programs reachable for children with low physical self-esteem. According to the findings it is important to form physical activity programs that support and develop Sport Competence, Physical Condition and sense of Body Attractiveness among children.     

The reliability and validity of the physical activity questions in the WHO health behaviour in schoolchildren (HBSC) survey: a population study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the test-retest reliability and validity of the physical activity questions in the World Health Organisation health behaviour in schoolchildren (WHO HBSC) survey. METHODS: In the validity study, the Multistage Fitness Test was administered to a random sample of year 8 (mean age 13.1 years; n = 1072) and year 10 (mean age 15.1 years; n = 954) high school students from New South Wales (Australia) during February/March 1997. The students completed the self report instruments on the same day. An independent sample of year 8 (n = 121) and year 10 (n = 105) students was used in the reliability study. The questionnaire was administered to the same students on two occasions, two weeks apart, and test-retest reliability was assessed. Students were classified as either active or inadequately active on their combined responses to the questionnaire items. Kappa and percentage agreement were assessed for the questionnaire items and for a two category summary measure. RESULTS: All groups of students (boys and girls in year 8 and year 10) classified as active (regardless of the measure) had significantly higher aerobic fitness than students classified as inadequately active. As a result of highly skewed binomial distributions, values of kappa were much lower than percentage agreement for test-retest reliability of the summary measure. For year 8 boys and girls, percentage agreement was 67% and 70% respectively, and for year 10 boys and girls percentage agreement was 85% and 70% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These brief self report questions on participation in vigorous intensity physical activity appear to have acceptable reliability and validity. These instruments need to be tested in other cultures to ensure that the findings are not specific to Australian students. Further refinement of the measures should be considered.     

上海城区7～17岁学生20米往返跑成绩和最后跑速变化分析

目的:通过20米往返跑(20-mSRT)测试了解上海城区7～17岁中小学生心肺耐力随年龄变化特征。方法:采用分层随机整群抽样方法,抽取上海城区7～17岁身体健康的中小学生4284名(男2168名,女2116名),按年龄、性别分组,同时对受试者的测试动机和测试条件等容易影响测试结果可靠性的各种因素进行控制。受试者先进行身高、体重等形态学指标测试,准备活动后再进入20-mSRT测试。测试用CD与测试过程严格按照Leger测试方法。20-mSRT是逐级递增负荷的亚极限运动测试,受试者在相隔20米的两条线之间进行由慢到快的往返跑,跑步节奏由音乐节拍器控制,直到连续3次不能在规定时间内按要求踏上或踏过端线,或感到确实无法坚持运动时停止测试。结果:(1)上海城区8～16岁男生和7～13岁女生20-mSRT成绩随年龄增长而增加(P<0.05),但14～17岁女生变化不显著;且同龄男生20-mSRT成绩均大于女生(P<0.05)。(2)上海城区8～16岁男生和7～13岁女生20-mSRT最后跑速随年龄增长而增加(P<0.05),14～17岁女生变化不明显,且同龄男生最后跑速均大于女生(P<0.05)。结论:横断面研究显示上海城区8～16岁男生和7～13岁女生20-mSRT成绩和最后跑速均随年龄增长而增加,14～17岁女生增加不明显;同龄男生20-mSRT成绩和最后跑速均大于女生。     

Immunological changes in response to exercise: influence of age, puberty, and gender

PURPOSE: This study tested the hypothesis that exercise-induced perturbation and recovery of the immune system would vary with age, puberty, and gender in healthy children and adolescents. METHODS: Twelve-year-old girls (YG; N = 14) and boys (YB; N = 20), and 14-yr-old girls (OG; N = 11) and boys (OB; N = 13) cycled for 60 min at 70% VO2max. Blood was collected before, at 30 and 60 min of exercise, and at 30 and 60 min of recovery to measure total leukocytes, leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, and cytokines. Age and pubertal (Tanner stage) effects within genders and gender effects within age and pubertal groups were determined. RESULTS: Exercise-induced increases in lymphocytes, CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts, and IL-6 were approximately 83, 90, and 390% greater in OG versus YG (P < 0.05). Recovery leukocytosis and neutrophilia were approximately 56 and 35% greater in OB versus YB (P < 0.05). Pubertal stage did not have a statistically significant influence on responses in girls, but the lowest pubertal stage consistently showed smaller changes in lymphocytes and CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts. Recovery neutrophilia was approximately 120% greater in postpubertal boys versus prepubertal or pubertal boys (P < 0.05). Responses of lymphocytes and CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts, respectively, were approximately 120 and 82% greater in OG versus OB (P < 0.05), with no differences between YG and YB. Exercise-induced increases in total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and CD3-CD16+CD56+ counts were at least 35% greater in girls versus boys of similar pubertal status (P < 0.05). Regardless of age, puberty, or gender, IL-8 levels were significantly higher during recovery versus rest (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results highlight the need to control for age, puberty, and gender when interpreting immunologic responses to exercise in a pediatric population.     

Skeletal muscle fibre types in teenagers: relationship to physical performance and activity

Human skeletal muscle consists mainly of 2 types of fibres denoted type I (slow twitch) and type II (fast twitch). The aim of this investigation was to study skeletal muscle fibre characteristics together with physical performance, physical activity and interest in different physical activities, and the relationships between these variables among students in grade I in high school. Sixty-nine boys and 47 girls at the age of 16 were studied. The relative proportion of type I fibres (type 1%) in vastus lateralis was approximately 50% for both boys and girls and the interindividual variation was large, more so for boys than for girls. The muscle fibre areas for all fibre types were larger in boys than girls and the relationships between the sizes of the areas of type I, type IIA and type IIB differed between the sexes. The muscle enzymes succinate dehydrogenase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase were all on average higher in boys than girls; the only significant difference was in succinate dehydrogenase. There was a positive correlation between performance in a 9-min run and type 1%. for boys but not for girls. Multiple correlation analysis indicated that factors determining the performance in the 9-min run were maximal oxygen uptake and type I% for boys, and maximal oxygen uptake but not fibre types for girls. The attitude to cross-country running was positively correlated with the type I% for boys but not for girls. There was a stronger positive correlation between degree of physical activity and type I% for boys than girls. In conclusion, stronger correlations between muscle fibre characteristics and physical performance, physical activity and interest in physical activity were found for boys than for girls.     

The applicability of Willems' method for age estimation in southern Turkish children: A preliminary study

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of Willems' method for assessing southern Turkish children and to analyze the practicability of this method in different age groups for both genders.Panoramic radiographs of 756 children (378 females, 378 males) aged between 5 and 14.99 years were examined by one observer. This retrospective study involved a contemporary southern Turkish population. The chronological ages of the subjects were divided into 10 groups. These 10 groups consisted of children of the following ages 5 and 14.99. Relationships between continuous variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The paired t-test was used to compare all data according to gender and age groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical data.According to the results, a very high correlation was found for both girls (r² = 0.946) and for boys (r² = 0.940). Dental age (DA) and chronological age (CA) were consistent for girls in the four age groups (5–5.99, 6–6.99, 12–12.99, and 14–14.99) and for boys in the three age groups (5–5.99,13–13.99, 14–14.99).The maturity score of Willems' Belgian samples of the DA was applicable to seven groups of the southern Turkish children. The present study reports that Willems' method is more accurate for girls than for boys.