Long-Term Dynamics of Physical Development of Children and Adolescents in the Tula Region between 1929 and 2024

Introduction: The problem of intergenerational changes in overall body size caused by secular trends and accelerated human biological development is one of the most important in both pediatric health and pediatrics.

Objective: To analyze trends in physical development of children and adolescents in the Tula Region between 1929 and 2021–2024 for elaboration of regional standards.

Materials and Methods: We conducted the analytical study with historical control. To establish current trends in physical development indicators in the Tula Region, historical data were used, obtained by measuring the height and weight of 6,935 schoolchildren aged 9–14 in 1929 and aged 7–17 in 1983. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of appropriate measurements of 5,686 children and adolescents aged 7–17 (2,697 boys and 3,019 girls) from the Tula Region taken in 2021–2024.

Results: Highly significant differences (p < 0.00001) in body height of boys and girls of all ages were found between the years 1929 and 2021–2024. These differences ranged from 9.7 cm at age nine to 17.4 cm at age 13 in boys and from 10.0 cm at age nine to 16.7 cm at age 13 in girls. We also established highly significant differences (p < 0.00001) in body weight among boys and girls of all ages between 1929 and 2021–2024 with the most significant ones found in boys aged 12 (6.1 kg at p < 0.00001) and girls aged 14 (3.2 kg at p < 0.00001). In almost all age groups, the percentage of children and adolescents with a BMI above average was higher in boys, while that with a BMI below average was higher in girls.

Conclusion: The secular trend is currently observed in the Tula Region with disharmonious manifestations due to overweight. Addressing the latter requires behavioral interventions and hygiene education for target groups on the topics of a healthy diet, sleep hygiene, and optimal physical activity.

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