Longitudinal studies on somatic growth and motor performance: designs, challenges, needs

The principle purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the major longitudinal and mixed longitudinal studies that focused on somatic growth, biological maturation and more recently also on physical performance. Only selected studies that were conducted in USA, Europe and Portuguese speaking countries will be considered. First, the main theoretical considerations, general characteristics, the study design and statistical analyses and the methodological challenges of the data will be outlined. Further, an overview is provided of the most important longitudinal and mixed longitudinal studies. Finally, the major challenges of the ongoing studies are highlighted.