[Health and physical activity in adolescents of today]

The results of clinical and epidemiological studies conducted by the researchers of Research Institute of Hygiene and Care of Children and Adolescents, Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, are indicative of a substantial deterioration of health in adolescents in the late 20th century. Inactivity typical for young people of today has been found to be a major risk factor of cardiovascular functional disorders and metabolic osteopathies whose prevalence has increased among adolescents. There is evidence for that there is an association of low activity with the occurrence of calcium homeostatic disorders that result in osteomuscular diseases, cardiovascular functional disorders, deteriorated physical development, decreased functional (force) capacities of the growing organism in adolescents. In addition to inactivity, excessive exercise experienced by young athletes also causes marked disorders, in girls in particular.