Characteristics of anthropometric and physiometric indices of volgograd schoolchildren in dynamics over 1976–2018

Introduction. The state of physical development of children and adolescents is an objective criterion of health. It is accepted to be most crucial index for predicting further child development, his readiness for sports, working life, and planning of training loads during physical education.

Material and methods. The monitoring group included 7-17-year schoolchildren (820 girls, 748 boys). The body height, weight, chest circumference, the vital capacity of the lungs, the muscle strength of the hands were measured (standard techniques and instruments). A comparative assessment of the obtained indices with similar data of 1976, 2000 was performed. 

Results. The body height of schoolchildren decreased over the period 1976/2018, there was an increase in body of body weight. The chest circumference trend was uncertain: dropped (boys - 7,8, girls 7, 12-15 years old); increased ( boys 9-15, girls 8-11,16,17 years old). The increase in the lung vital capacity was noted mostly in boys, muscle force of the hands decreased ( boys 10, 13, 16, girls 15-16 years old ). The Stange test values have doubled in the dynamics of 7-17 years, the Genchi test increased by 73.1% for boys and by 8-10% for girls. 

Conclusion. The revealed features of the dynamics of anthropometrics and functional indices of schoolchildren argue the need to correct physical education programs, including the tolerance motor and power loads.