Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introductory concepts -- Prenatal growth and functional development -- Somatic growth -- Development of physique -- Body composition -- Bone tissue in skeletal growth and body composition -- Skeletal muscle tissue -- Adipose tissue -- Heart, blood, and lungs -- Motor development -- Strength and motor performance -- Aerobic performance -- Anaerobic performance -- Thermoregulation during growth -- Biological maturation : concepts and assessment -- Timing and sequence and changes during adolescence -- Maturity-associated variation in growth and performance.

Genetic regulation of growth, maturation, and performance -- Hormonal regulation of growth and maturation -- Energy and nutritional requirements -- Physical activity and energy expenditure : assessment, trends, and tracking -- Physical activity as a factor in growth, maturation, and performance -- Undernutrition in childhood and adolescence -- Obesity in childhood and adolescence -- Other factors affecting growth, maturation, performance, and activity -- Risk factors during growth and adult health -- Chronic clinical conditions and physical disabilities -- The young athlete.

Secular trends in growth, maturation, and performance.