[Characterization of the physical development of schoolchildren in different regions of Russia]

Age-related changes in some physical development (PD) indices (height, weight, chest circumference, hand dynamometry, and vital capacity) were studied in 21,500 schoolchildren aged 7 to 17 years in 5 federal areas (Central, North-western, Urals, Southern, and Siberian) of the Russian Federation. The moderate development of both morphological and functional characteristics is prevalent in the school-children of all age groups, the proportion of their low development being higher than that of their high development. The proportion of children with average weight is virtually constant in age groups of 7 to 17 years and it is about 50% of the sample. The moderate level of other characteristics is noted for age-related variations of different intensity, which are more pronounced in girls. In terms of age, the functional parameters of PD are more variable than morphological ones. Age-related variation of the ratio of PD levels may be entirely assigned due to: a) heterochronicity of processes of increasing morphological parameters (longitudinal and latitudinal); b) a great variability of functional parameters. Recommendations on correction of schoolchildren's PD with physical educational means are given.