Features of linear growth of pupils with different levels of physical development

Objective. Determine the options for pubertal spurt in children with different levels of physical development in pre-pubertal age. Patients and methods. The analysis of the annual increase in body length and weight indicators in 645 schoolchildren (331 boys and 314 girls) aged 8 to 16 years was carried out. Depending on the compliance of the child's body length indicator with the WHO Growth Reference 2007 standards at the age of 8, schoolchildren are divided into groups: with average physical development; with physical development above average; with physical development below average. Results. The dynamics of the increase in body length and weight during the pubertal growth spurt has differences in children with different levels of physical development. Acceleration of linear growth in boys with average physical development is of a prolonged and low-amplitude type. The pubertal growth spurt in children with physical development above average is more pronounced in amplitude and limited in time; with physical development below average – has a more pronounced amplitude and lasts a shorter time than peers with average physical development. In girls with all types of physical development, the pubertal leap in linear growth is insignificantly expressed and prolonged in time, especially in schoolgirls with average and above average physical development. Conclusion. The data can be useful as a guide in predicting the course of pubertal spurt in children in the practice of clinical examination of the child population, in determining adequate physical activity in physical education lessons at school and in sports clubs. Key words: puberty growth spurt, children, physical development