The effects of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) on the motor performance of 4.5-6.5-year-old Senegalese children were studied. Body dimensions included weight, lengths, circumferences, and four skinfolds. Motor performance tests included a 3-min endurance run, 4 X 10 m shuttle-run, distance throw, standing long jump and grip strength. The sample consisted of 147 children : 52 children who were hospitalized for severe undernutrition (severe UN group) during infancy but who had been nutritionally rehabilited ; 63 children who were never severely malnourished but who were chronically exposed to mild-to-moderate undernutrition up to the time of study (chronic UN group) ; and 32 well nourished children (well nourished group) from well-off households. After... |