Justification of regional standards for the functional state of the central nervous system in children and adolescents

Introduction. The study is aimed at developing and scientifically justifying regional norms of the functional state of the central nervous system (CNS) in children and adolescents aged 7–17 years, which is crucial for health assessment and the development of preventive measures.

The purpose of the study is to scientifically justify the regional norms of the functional state of the central nervous system in 7–17 years children and adolescents using the method of variation chronoreflexometry.

Materials and methods. Over the period from 2018 to 2024, an assessment of the functional state of the central nervous system in two thousand four hundred ten students in grades 1–11 was conducted using the method of variation chronoreflexometry by M.P. Moroz (2003) in general educational institutions of Orenburg (lyceums, gymnasiums, secondary schools).

Results. A significant increase in the functional level of the nervous system in students aged from 7 to 17 years was established, from 1.8±0.01 units to 2.4±0.02 units (p<0.001), the stability of the nervous reaction from 0.6±0.04 units to 1.3±0.06 units (p<0.001), and the level of functional capabilities of the nervous system from 1.5±0.04 units to 2.5±0.07 units (p<0.001). A statistically significant increase in indicators was found between the age groups of 9–10, 12–13, and 15–16 years, followed by stabilization in the periods of 10–12, 13–15, and 16-17 years, which determined the feasibility of age differentiation of the functional state norms of the CNS for 7–9 years, 10–12 years, 13–15 years, and 16–17 years students based on the calculation of the 25^th–75^th percentiles, the values of which were accepted as the statistical norm. The obtained data allowed developing a mental performance index, calculated as the sum of standardized values of CNS functional indicators taking into account their significance coefficients obtained through principal component analysis.

Limitations. The use of a simple visual-motor response to assess the functional state of the CNS may limit the ability to extrapolate the obtained data to other studies where auditory, tactile stimuli, or their combinations were used.

Conclusion. The scientifically justified regional norms of the functional state of the central nervous system in 7–17 years children and adolescents can be used during preventive medical examinations, in screening studies of scientific research activities, and become an effective tool for assessing and monitoring the functional state of the CNS in children and adolescents, as well as developing preventive measures aimed at preserving the health of the younger generation.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of FGBOU VO OrGMU Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (protocol No. 258 dated 09.10.2020). All participants and their legal representatives have provided informed voluntary written consent to participate in the study.

Contributions: Setko N.P. – concept and design of the study, editing;
Zhdanova O.M. – concept and design of the study, writing the text; collection and processing of material; statistical processing;
Setko A.G. – concept and design of the study, editing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgement. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: June 3, 2024 / Accepted: October 2, 2024 / Published: March 7, 2025