Dynamics of physical development of young schoolchildren in Lviv.

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate features of dynamics of physical development of 7- and 9-year-old schoolchildren in Lviv by anthropometric indices. The basis for the analysis of dynamics of physical development of 7- and 9-year-old schoolchildren in Lviv were the results of anthropometric measurements made in 1969 – 1971, 1996, and our own research, conducted in 2014 – 2015. Statistical analysis was performed by the method of least squares with determining the reliability of the results by Student’s t-test. The absolute growth and growth rate (%) of anthropometric indices of 7- and 9-year-old schoolchildren and group body mass indexes (BMI) were calculated by Platonova A.G. method (2012). Anthropometric indices of Lviv schoolchildren over 2014-2015 were compared with the hygienic standards of 2013. It was revealed that the dynamics of physical development of Lviv schoolchildren from 1969 to 2015 is characterized by acceleration processes that occurred irregularly. A clear regularity of increasing height and weight, as well as intensification of their growth rate in schoolchildren aged from 7- to 9-years was observed for the last 19 years. Chest circumference remained unchanged. It was noted intensification of physical development processes in boys. The obtained results indicate to the processes of asthenization and gracilization in children. According to BMI values physical development of the 7-year-old girls was harmonic, 9-year-old boys (1996) – disharmonic, other groups – disharmonic in some children. Anthropometric indices of Lviv schoolchildren in 2014 - 2015 do not differ from those of «Criteria of evaluation of physical development of schoolchildren» (2013).

Keywords

• physical development
• the dynamics of anthropometric indices
• 7-year-old and 9-year-old schoolchildren