Characteristics of morphofunctional development of students, learning in social and economic direction

Abstract

We studied the indicators of physical development and functional reserves of 408 first-year students. We carried out the assessment of the level and harmony of physical development in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO («WHO Growth Reference 2007») using the «WHO AnthroPlus» program. We assessed the functionality by the results of carpal dynamometry, breath-holding tests (Shtange and Gench) and the power index level. We found out that the majority of boys (71.1 % ) and girls (64.3 % ) had mesosomia. Among girls, there were more female students with a body length above average (p = 0.0099) and tall stature (p = 0.08) than in the male group; male students had short stature more often. Balanced variants of physical development was more often found among the girls (74,4 %) than the boys (66,9 %; р < 0,001). We observed the weight deficit more often in the girls while the boys demonstrated overweight and obesity. The average results of breath-holding tests of the boys corresponded to the medium level. The results of the Gench test in the girls were within the normal range, while Shtange tests were below the average. The examined girls demonstrated both lower absolute (р < 0,001) and relative measurable indicators of carpal dynamometry, which indicates the lower functional reserve compared with male fellow students. We substantiated the need to create a complex of prevention measures aimed at formation of healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of deadaptation to higher school studies.