Evaluation of physical development of Ukrainian city pupils in dynamics of 35 years monitoring period (1974 – 2009 years)
Purpose: comparative analysis of physical development parameters of Ukrainian city pupils in dynamics of 35 years monitoring period, determination of level and harmony of physical development of modern pupils.
Participants: it was examined 2453 city children and teenagers of 6-17 year old (1224 boys and 1229 girls). Comparison was carried out with results of 1974 year. The analysis of physical development was carried out according to the official tables containing regression scales of the body length.
Results: it is observed reliable (p<0,01) and highly reliable (p<0,001) body length augmentation in comparison with equals in age in 1970th in all age and gender groups of pupils (except 8 year old children). Since 11 year old, modern children were authentically taller (р<0,001) than equals in age in 1974. Comparison of body weight of boys determined that from 11 up to 13 year old modern pupils reliably exceed equals in age in 1970th. It is determined similar differences in 12-13 year old girls. It is observed reliable augmentation of chest circumference in 12-14 year old girls and also in 11-12 and 15-17 year old boys in comparison with equals in age in 1974 year. There are no gender differences in distribution of children by the level of physical development.
Conclusions: it is determined the following consistent patterns and features of physical development of Ukrainian city pupils during 1970th – 2000th years: no more than 57-59% of pupils have average and harmonious physical development; every 6th boy and every 5th girl have overweight; it is observed high-quality and quantitative reliable deterioration in physical development and morphofunctional state in children of both genders during study at school. It is most expressed in boys; from 1st up to the 4th form pupils with disharmonious development becomes in 2,5 times more weighty (about 12%), and up to 9th form – in 7 times (about 20% respectively).