[Physical development indices of children and adolescents in genetic monitoring]

The significance of physical development parameters of children and teen-agers in assessment of the state of health in this population group is emphasized. A brief analysis of some investigators' viewpoints relative to the ratio of biological and social factors in the physical development of children is given. Novel methodical approaches to more exact tabulation of the data concerning the physical development of children and teen-agers are suggested, instead of regional scales of regression generally used in this country. Statistical parameters of height-subgroup and not those of the whole age-sex group are assumed as a basis for such tables. These tables applicable for a long-term use all over the country will enhance reliability and the value of work within the programme of genetic monitoring of the population physical development. Attention is drawn to the significance of size variations in weight-, height- and other subgroups (except for the traditional parameters) in the whole age-sex group. Quite as important is determination and control of values of weight/height and other ratios in each height-subgroup.