Anthropometric measurements and methods for their implementation. Anthropometry. Functional tests and tests. Anthropometric determination of human somatotype

measurement of basic physical indicators of a person. Includes weighing, measuring body length, chest and abdominal circumference. In some cases, basic parameters of breathing (spirometry) and muscle strength (dynamometry) are measured.

To measure body length, use a stadiometer (a vertical bar with a printed centimeter scale mounted on a platform). A tablet with a horizontal visor moves up and down along a vertical bar. The patient is placed on the platform with his back to a vertical stand so that he touches the stand with his heels, buttocks, shoulder blades and the back of his head. The head is in such a position that the external auditory canal and the eye are at the same level. The tablet is lowered onto the head. The numbers on the scale at the bottom edge of the tablet indicate the length of the patient’s body.

Weighing is carried out on properly installed and adjusted medical scales. To adjust, the weights on the upper and lower bars of the rocker arm (grams and kilograms) are set to the zero position, the rocker arm latch is opened and the rocker arm is balanced using balancing weights moving on the screw. The patient should stand on the scale platform with the rocker latch closed.

Abdominal circumference is especially important to measure with ascites. The measurement is taken in the morning, preferably after defecation and emptying the bladder. A soft measuring tape is placed behind at the level of the third lumbar vertebra, in front - at the level of the navel.

The chest circumference is measured with a soft measuring tape. At the back it should be located under the shoulder blades, at the front - at the level of the 4th rib. The measurement is taken during quiet breathing, at maximum inhalation and exhalation.

Spirometry is carried out using a spirometer, consisting of two 6-7 liter cylinders inserted one into the other. The outer cylinder is filled with water, and the inner one, balanced by a load, is turned upside down. The air space of the inner cylinder above the water is connected by a tube to the outside air. A rubber hose with a replaceable glass or plastic tip is put on this tube. The patient takes a deep breath and, holding his nose, blows air through the tip of the tube into the cavity of the inner cylinder, which rises. A special school shows the volume of exhaled air. The vital capacity of the lungs in men is on average 3500-4500 cm3, in women - 1500-3500 cm3.

Dynamometry is carried out using special spring, mercury, hydraulic and electrical devices with a scale showing muscle strength.

ANTHROPOMETRY

anthropometry) - measurement of the parameters of the human body or its individual parts. Comparisons can be made between different people or representatives of different genders, ages and races in order to identify any deviations in the development of representatives of a particular group. - Anthropometric.

ANTHROPOMETRY

from Greek anthropos - man and Greek. metreo - measure) - a section and method of anthropology that deals with the measurement and description of the human body as a whole and its individual parts and allows for a quantitative description of their variability. In applied sciences, A. data are widely used to characterize the physical development of a person and, on this basis, develop recommendations on the sizes of clothing, furniture and other items that a person uses. In engineering psychology, labor psychology and management, A.’s data, such as sitting and standing height, arm length, forearms, leg length and foot size, hand and finger sizes, eye height relative to the floor, etc., form the basis of requirements and recommendations for parameters of the workplace (operator's seat, dimensions and position of the control panel and instruments on it, characteristics of controls), work and protective clothing, headsets and helmets, special shoes. Taking into account anthropometric data when designing industrial premises, offices, business and cultural centers is of great importance. A.'s data is developed for a naked person and dressed in typical summer and winter professional clothing. This data can be measurement or descriptive. The first are determined using anthropometric instruments (anthropometers, compasses, tapes). The measurement is made between strictly localized anthropometric points, which represent elements of the external structure of the body that are relatively easily accessible for observation. Determination of descriptive characteristics (shape of body parts, parts of the face, pigmentation of skin, hair, eyes, etc.) is carried out using scales, models, diagrams built on the basis of precise delimiting criteria. The data collected during the anthropometric examination is subjected to variation-statistical (biometric) processing and presented in the form of tables, graphs, and diagrams.

To assess risk factors in children, the following indicators are used:

1) somatometric - body length (height), body weight, head circumference, chest and waist;

2) somatoscopic - shape of the chest, back, feet, posture, fat deposits, sexual development;

3) physiometric - vital capacity of the lungs, dynamometry of the hands, back strength.

Along with this, parameters such as the thickness of the skin-fat folds, the circumference of individual parts of the body (thigh, shoulder, lower leg) can be used to calculate special anthropometric indices, etc.

HEIGHT. Body length or height is one of the main indicators of overall body size and bone length. Child growth is the most stable indicator of PD and reflects the systemic process of development of the body. Significant growth disturbances, as a rule, are combined with pathology of other organs and systems. Thus, when skeletal growth slows down, the growth and differentiation of the brain, skeletal muscles, myocardium and other internal organs simultaneously slow down to a relatively greater or lesser extent. Body length can be average (normal), reduced, low, increased, high.

The height of children in the first year of life is measured using a stadiometer, which is a board 80 cm long and 40 cm wide. On the left side of the board there is a centimeter scale, at the beginning of the scale there is a fixed transverse bar, and at the end of the scale there is a movable transverse bar that can be easily moved on a centimeter scale.

Measurement technique. The height of an infant is measured lying down. To do this, he is laid on his back so that his head tightly touches the transverse fixed bar of the stadiometer. In this case, the child’s head should be in such a position that the lower edge of the orbit and the upper edge of the tragus of the ear are in the same vertical plane. The child's mother or assistant holds the child's head tightly. The measurer straightens the baby's legs by lightly pressing the palm of his left hand on the knees, and with his right hand brings the movable bar of the stadiometer tightly to the heels, bending the feet to a right angle to the shins. The distance between the fixed and movable bars will be equal to the child’s height. The length should be noted to the nearest 1 mm.

Measuring the height of older children. The height meter for older children is a wooden block 2 m 10 cm long, 8-10 cm wide and 5-7 cm thick, installed vertically on a wooden platform measuring 75x50 cm. On the front vertical surface of the bar there are 2 division scales in centimeters, on the right - for standing height, on the left - for sitting height. There is a movable bar 20 cm long. At a level of 40 cm from the wooden platform, a folding bench is attached to a vertical beam for measuring height while sitting.

Measurement technique. The child stands on the stadiometer platform with his back to the vertical stand, touching it with his heels, buttocks, shoulder blades and the back of his head, his arms are lowered along the body. The head is placed in such a position that the lower edge of the orbit and the upper edge of the tragus of the ear are in the same horizontal plane. The movable bar is applied to the head, its level will correspond to the height of the child. The time when the measurement was taken must be noted.

Children aged 1 to 3 years are measured using the same stadiometer as for older children, only instead of the lower platform, a folding bench is used and the counting is carried out on the scale on the left. The position of the head and body is the same as in older children.

BODY WEIGHT (child nutrition) is the main anthropometric indicator. Body weight, in contrast to length, is a more labile indicator, reflecting the degree of development of the skeletal and muscular systems, internal organs, subcutaneous fatty tissue, and depends both on the constitutional characteristics of the child and on external environmental factors (nutrition, physical and mental stress, etc. .). Measuring body weight is usually not difficult. Body weight can be low (undernutrition), reduced (decreased nutrition), increased (increased nutrition), high (overnutrition).

Deviation from the average calculated values ​​is allowed within ± 10%.

Weighing children under 3 years old with a body weight of up to 20 kg is carried out on cup scales. The scales consist of a tray and a balance beam with two division scales: the lower scale is in kilograms, the upper one is in grams. The measurement accuracy reaches 10 grams. The rocker arm has a counterweight with a washer, which is carefully turned towards or away from you to balance the scales, focusing on the balance indicator.

Weighing technique. First, you need to lay the diaper on the tray so that its edges do not hang down and cover the scale scale. Then weighing is carried out directly. To do this, close the balance beam. The child is placed with his head on the wide part of the tray, and his legs on the narrow part. If the child can be seated, then he is seated on the wide part of the tray - with his buttocks, and with his legs - on the narrow part. The person measuring stands directly in front of the balance beam (not on the side!). Weight readings are taken from the side of the weight where there are notches or notches. On the lower scale, the weight must be placed only in the slots or notches available on the scale. After weighing the child, the scale yoke is closed and the baby is removed. Then the weight data is recorded, and the weights are placed at the “0” mark. To determine the baby's weight, it is necessary to subtract the weight of the diaper from the scale readings. Body weight is determined to the nearest 100 g.

Weighing on electronic scales allows you to quickly obtain accurate data on the body weight of a young child.

Children over 3 years of age are weighed on lever scales. An undressed and barefoot child stands motionless in the middle of the scale platform. The rocker lock opens. The rocker consists of two scales, weighing accuracy is 50 grams. Weighing should be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably after defecation and urination.

Scales must be calibrated (using objects of precisely known weight) at least once a month and after any movement.

CIRCLE MEASUREMENT is an important technique that provides additional data on the child’s PD. Circumference indicators alone or in combination with measuring the thickness of skin folds characterize the child’s FR and are included in the calculation of various indices. There is a special technique for measuring the circumference of the head, chest, shoulder, thigh, and leg.

Measuring head circumference: a measuring tape is passed through the most protruding part of the back of the head and in front along the line of the superciliary arches. Measuring head circumference is mandatory when doing anthropometry of an infant, as it reflects the volume of the brain.

Measurement of chest circumference in young children is carried out only in a calm state; in older children - at rest with maximum inhalation and maximum exhalation. A measuring tape is applied at the back under the corners of the shoulder blades, and at the front along the line connecting the lower edges of the isola. In girls with developed mammary glands in front, the tape is applied under the mammary glands along the 4th rib. The subject's arms should be freely lowered along the body.

Shoulder circumference is measured in the upper third of the shoulder at the level of the armpit at the place of greatest development of the biceps muscle in the horizontal plane.

Thigh circumference is measured directly below the gluteal fold in the horizontal plane.

The calf circumference is measured in the area of ​​greatest development of the calf muscle.

The circumferences of the shoulder, thigh and lower leg are measured for children under 3 years of age and are necessary to calculate indices and determine body proportions.

Skin fold thickness is measured using a caliper. To characterize the subcutaneous fat layer, use the thickness of the skin fold in one or more places (above the triceps, biceps, in the subscapular region, etc.). In fact, this indicator characterizes not only the thickness of the skin tissue and the associated subcutaneous tissue, but, using special formulas, allows you to calculate the total fat content in the body.

2.2. Methods of self-monitoring of health status

and physical development (standards, indices,

programs, formulas, nomograms)

2.2.1. Anthropometric measurements: concepts, types, indicators

Today, there are more than 300 options for defining the concept of “health”: some characterize health as the absence of disease, others as the ability to maintain balance between the body and the constantly changing external and internal environment, and others as harmonious physical development. The definition of health given in the constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) is now widely accepted.

Health - a dynamic state of physical, spiritual and social well-being, ensuring a person’s full performance of labor, mental and biological functions with maximum life expectancy.

Physical development - the process of changing and improving the natural morphological and functional properties of the human body (length, body weight, chest circumference, vital capacity of the lungs, etc.) during his life. Physical development is manageable. With the help of physical exercises, various sports, balanced nutrition, work and rest schedules, various indicators of physical development can be changed in the required direction.

Self-control - regular monitoring of the state of health, physical development and physical fitness by those involved in physical exercises and sports using simple, generally available techniques.

Method of anthropometric standards- use of average values ​​of signs of physical development obtained by statistical processing of a large number of measurements of a homogeneous population of people.

Index method allows you to evaluate physical development in relation to individual anthropometric characteristics using simple mathematical expressions.

Nomogram - a graph of geometric quantities used in various calculations.

Formula - mathematical expression of the dependence of individual anthropometric or functional indicators for calculating standards, indices, nomograms, etc.

2.2.2. Anthropometric measurements

Anthropometric measurements make it possible to determine the level and characteristics of physical development, the degree of its correspondence to gender and age, existing deviations, as well as the level of improvement in physical development under the influence of physical exercise and various sports.

Anthropometric measurements should be carried out periodically at the same time of day, according to generally accepted methods, using special standard proven instruments.

During mass examinations and self-monitoring, body length (height) standing and sitting, weight, chest circumference, vital capacity, hand strength of the strongest arm, and back strength are measured.

Height(body length) is measured with a stadiometer (at home with a centimeter ruler against the wall). When measuring height, stand with your back to a vertical stand (wall), touching your heels, buttocks, shoulder blades and the back of your head (Fig. 2.2.1). The greatest body length is observed in the morning. In the evening, as well as after intense physical exercise, height may decrease by 2 cm or more. After exercise with weights and a barbell, body length may decrease by 3 cm or more due to compaction of the intervertebral discs. The length of the body decreases due to compaction of the intervertebral discs, fatigue of the trunk muscles, and flattening of the arches of the feet. The measurement accuracy is 0.5 cm.

Body weight. When determining weight, the subject must stand motionless in the middle of the scale platform. It is advisable to monitor body weight in the morning, on an empty stomach. The weight indicator is recorded with an accuracy of 50 g.

There are different ways to determine normal weight. To find out what a person’s normal weight should be, you need to subtract a certain number from the height expressed in centimeters (Brocka-Brooksch formula):

from 155 to 165 cm 100 is subtracted;

O

Rice. 2.2.1. Technique for measuring height while standing and sitting

from 176 cm and above 110 is deducted.

An increase in weight of 10% above normal is characterized as a tendency to obesity.

For a more accurate assessment of body weight, the Quetelet weight-height index is used: weight (g) divided by height (cm). The average is 370–400 g per 1 cm of height in men, 325–375 in women.

Chest circumference measured in three phases: during normal quiet breathing (pause), maximum inhalation and maximum exhalation (Fig. 2.2.2). The subject spreads his arms to the sides. A measuring tape is applied so that at the back it passes under the lower corners of the shoulder blades, at the front for men along the lower segment of the nipples, and for women - above the mammary gland, at the point where the skin passes from the chest to the gland. After applying the tape, the subject lowers his hands. When measuring the maximum inhalation, you should not tense your muscles and raise your shoulders, and when you exhale maximum, you should not slouch.

Chest excursion- the difference between the size of the circles during inhalation and exhalation. It depends on the morphostructural development of the chest, its mobility, and type of breathing. The average excursion size usually ranges from 5–7 cm.

Rice. 2.2.2. Technique for measuring chest circumference

Vital capacity of the lungs (VC) measured on a water or dry spirometer (Fig. 2.2.3). It is recommended to complete 2-3 attempts. Measurements of vital capacity must be carried out before meals at the same time of day.

Measuring vital capacity (spirometry) is a good method for determining the function of a person’s external respiratory apparatus. Average vital capacity indicators for men are 3500–4000 cm 3 , for women – 2500–3000 cm 3 . In athletes, especially swimmers, skiers, rowers, and stayers, the vital capacity of the lungs can reach 5000-9000 cm 3 . The value of vital capacity depends on height and body weight, therefore, to determine whether the measured individual indicator corresponds to the norm, tables of “proper” values ​​of vital capacity are often used, calculated using formulas that take into account body weight, height and other indicators of a person’s physical development.

TO core dynamometry- a method for determining the strength of the hand flexor muscles. The dynamometer is taken in the hand with the dial facing inward. The arm is extended to the side at shoulder level and the dynamometer is squeezed as much as possible. Two or three measurements are taken on each hand, and the best result is recorded. The average strength of the right hand (if a person is right-handed) for men is 35–50 kg, for women – 15–25 kg; the average strength of the left hand is usually 5–7 kg less.

ABOUT

Rice. 2.2.3. Appearance

dry spirometer

Therefore, when assessing the results of dynamometry, it is important to take into account the main indicator of strength and that correlated with body weight, i.e. relative strength (expressed as a percentage). In this case, the strength indicator of the right hand is multiplied by 100 and divided by the body weight indicator. For untrained young men this figure is 60-70% of body weight, for women - 45-50%. For example, the strength of the right arm (hand) is 52 kg, body weight is 76 kg. To determine the relative value of the hand strength, you need to multiply 52 by I00 and divide by 76. The relative strength of the hand in this case is 68.4%, i.e. it is within the average values.

When assessing muscle strength during self-control, it should be taken into account that strength indicators change throughout the day. So, their smallest value occurs in the morning, the largest - in the middle of the day. Towards the end of the day, especially after a tiring workout, muscle strength decreases. Therefore, you need to determine strength at the same time, preferably in the morning before starting training. Incomplete restoration of muscle strength the next day after exercise indicates excessive load. A decrease in it can also be observed in case of malaise, disruption of routine, worsening mood, etc.

WITH tan dynamometry- a method for determining the strength of the extensor muscles of the torso, measured using a backbone dynamometer (Fig. 2.2.4). The subject stands on a platform with a special traction so that 2/3 of each sole is on a metal base. Legs together, straightened, torso tilted forward. The chain is attached to the hook so that the hands are at knee level. The person being examined, without bending his legs and arms, must slowly straighten up, extending the pull. The average deadweight strength of adult men is 120–130 kg, and that of women is 55–65 kg.

Relative Strength Index determined as with carpal dynamometry:

x 100 = Relative strength

Body mass

Rice. 2.2.4. Deadlift dynamometry

On average it is 180–240%. A relative strength value of less than 170% is considered low, 170–200% is considered below average, 200–230% is considered average, 230–250% is above average, and more than 260% is considered high.

Determining the patient's body weight

Target: diagnostic.

Indications: 1) identification of underweight, obesity, hidden edema; 2) monitoring the dynamics of weight, edema during treatment; 3) upon admission of the patient to the hospital.

Contraindications: 1) the patient’s serious condition; 2)bed rest.

Workplace equipment: 1) medical scales; 2) disinfected oilcloth 30 x 30 cm on the scale platform; 3) clean rags; 4) containers with disinfectant; 5) gloves.

Required conditions:

The patient’s body weight is determined on medical scales, which must be adjusted and verified before weighing.

The rules for weighing a patient should be followed:

carry out weighing on an empty stomach, after emptying the bladder and intestines;

the patient steps on the scale, taking off his shoes

when re-weighing, the patient must wear the same clothes;

1. Lower the balance shutter

2. Set the weights of the scales to the zero position, adjust the scales, and close the shutter.

3. Place the oilcloth on the scale platform.

4. Invite the patient to carefully stand in the center of the platform.

5. Open the shutter and establish balance by moving the weights.

6. Close the scale shutter.

7. Invite the patient to carefully step off the scale.

8. Record the data on the temperature sheet.

9. Remove the oilcloth and treat it by wiping with a disinfectant solution.

Note: Normal body weight on average is determined by Brocca’s formula: Height minus 100. For example: a person’s height is 163 cm, - 100, so his weight should be 63 kg.

Patient height measurement

Target: diagnostic.

Indications: 1) obesity, dysfunction of the pituitary gland; 2) admission of a patient to a hospital or when visiting a clinic.

Contraindications: 1) the patient’s serious condition; 2) bed rest.

Workplace equipment: 1) vertical stadiometer; 2) clean; 3) disinfected oilcloth 30x30 cm; 4) clean rags; 5) gloves; 6) container with disinfectant solution.

Required conditions:

The height of an adult patient is determined without shoes and headgear;

Women with high hairstyles should have their hair down when measuring their height.

Preparatory stage of performing the manipulation.

1. Place the oilcloth on the stadiometer pad.

2. Stand to the side of the stadiometer and raise the bar above the patient’s expected height.

The main stage of the manipulation.

3. Invite the patient to stand on the stadiometer platform on the oilcloth so that he touches the stadiometer with four points (heels, buttocks and interscapular space and the back of the head).

4. Tilt your head slightly so that the upper edge of the auricle and the outer corner of the eye are on the same line.

5. Lower the stadiometer bar onto the patient’s crown and secure it.

6. Invite the patient to leave the stadiometer platform.

7. Using the stadiometer scale, determine the patient’s height (take the reading along the lower edge of the bar).

8. Record the patient’s height data on the temperature sheet.

The final stage of the manipulation.

9. Remove the oilcloth and treat it with a disinfectant by wiping.

10. Wash your hands and dry them with a towel.

The main stage of a nurse's manipulation when measuring a patient's height(sitting) .

1. Place the patient on a bench with his back to the stadiometer stand so that he touches the stadiometer with the back of his head and the interscapular space.

2. Tilt the patient's head slightly so that the outer incision of the eye and the upper edge of the auricle are on the same horizontal line.

3. Lower the stadiometer bar onto the patient’s head and fix it.

4. Invite the patient to rise from the stadiometer bench.

5. Using the stadiometer scale, determine the patient’s height (take the reading along the lower edge of the bar).

6. Record growth data on the temperature sheet.

Chest circumference measurement

Target: diagnostic.

Indications: 1) determination of respiratory excursion of the chest.

Contraindications: 1) the patient’s serious condition.

Workplace equipment: 1) measuring tape; 2) a bottle of antiseptic; 3) gauze napkins; 4) gloves.

Preparatory stage of performing the manipulation.

1. Invite the patient to stand facing the nurse with his hands down.

The main stage of the manipulation.

2. Place a measuring tape on the patient’s body:

behind the lower angles of the shoulder blades;

in front along the 4th rib along the nipple line (in men), or above the mammary gland (in women).

3. Determine the circumference of the chest at rest, maximum inspiration, full exhalation.

4. Write data:

OGK rest;

OGK inhale;

OGK exhale.

The final stage of the manipulation.

5. Densify the measuring tape with an antiseptic by wiping it on both sides.

6. Wash your hands and dry with a towel.

Blood pressure measurement

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries. It depends on:

cardiac output values;

arterial wall tone.

In addition to these main factors, blood pressure is also influenced by the volume of circulating blood, its viscosity, pressure fluctuations in the abdominal and thoracic cavities and many other factors.

Indications: determine pressure indicators and evaluate the results of the study.

Workplace equipment: 1) tonometer; 2) Phonendoscope; 3) pen with blue ink; 4) temperature sheet; 5) disinfectant, cotton balls.

Preparatory stage of performing the manipulation.

1. Place the patient in a sitting or lying position.

2. Place the patient’s right hand in this position, palm up, approximately at the level of the heart.

The main stage of the manipulation.

3. Place the tonometer cuff over thin clothing on the patient’s shoulder 2-3 cm above the elbow, position the rubber tubes connecting the cuff to the pressure gauge lateral to the patient. Clothing should not compress the shoulder above the cuff.

4. Apply and secure the cuff tightly so that only one finger fits between it and the shoulder.

5. Connect the pressure gauge to the cuff. The pressure gauge needle should be at the zero scale mark.

6. Determine the pulsation of the artery in the ulnar fossa with your fingers, apply the phonendoscope membrane to the above indicated place.

7. Close the valve in the bulb and pump air into the cuff until the pulsation in the ulnar artery disappears, raise the pressure level by another 20–30 mm Hg. Art.

8. Open the valve and slowly, at a speed of approximately 2 mmHg. Art. per second, deflate the cuff. At the same time, listen to the tones and monitor the readings on the pressure gauge scale.

9. When the first beat of the pulse wave appears, note the level of systolic pressure.

10. Note the value of diastolic pressure, which corresponds to the moment of complete disappearance of sounds.

11. Release all the air from the cuff.

12. Remove the cuff.

The final stage of the manipulation.

13. Disinfect the phonendoscope head with a disinfectant according to the attached instructions.

14. Assess the results of blood pressure altitude and pulse pressure.

15. Tell the patient the measurement result.

16. Record the pressure in the temperature sheet.

17. The nurse should wash their hands under running water and soap and treat them with an antiseptic.

Note: measure the pressure twice with an interval of 5 minutes.

The lesser result of the two readings is recorded. If blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. and below, the measurement is carried out once.

Blood pressure below 130/85 mmHg. Art. – this is a normal pressure value.

Blood pressure from 130/85 to 139/89 mm Hg. Art. – this is increased normal.

Blood pressure 140/90 mm. rt. Art. and higher – arterial hypertension.

Body temperature measurement

Body temperature can be measured according to indications:

in the inguinal fold;

in the oral cavity;

in the rectum

in the vagina.

It should be taken into account that the temperature in the cavities is 0.5-1 0 C higher than in the skin folds.

Indications: mandatory 2 times daily manipulation

Workplace equipment:1) disinfected thermometer; 2) towel; 3) containers with disinfectant.

Patient anthropometric measurements

This is a set of methods for studying the morphological features of the human body, the study of measuring and descriptive characteristics. Measuring methods include determining body weight, height, measuring chest circumference and some others.

In this regard, the pace of physical development can be easily assessed using anthropometric techniques. An important condition for carrying out all anthropometric determinations is the uniformity of the methods, instruments and instruments used. Typically, all studies are carried out in the first half of the day, in a warm, bright and well-ventilated room.

Anthropometric signs:

-somatometric(body length standing and sitting, body weight, chest and head circumference, etc.),

-physiometric– determination of functional indicators (vital capacity of the lungs (spirometer), muscle strength of the arms, back strength (dynamometer), etc.) and

-somatoscopic- external inspection data. A number of descriptive characteristics (muscle development, degree of fat deposition) are assessed on a three-point scale. Shape of the spine, chest, legs, posture. The degree of puberty is determined by the totality of development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Currently, based on a survey of a large number of children and adolescents, average tables have been developed containing anthropometric indicators of the general physical development of healthy children and adolescents. Any significant deviation from the average data indicates a violation of the child’s physical development; Often these disorders are based on various diseases. Consequently, anthropometric examinations of children and adolescents make it possible not only to determine the degree of physical maturation, but also to give a general assessment of the health status of the examined child.

Definition shoe size is carried out by measuring the length of the foot - the distance between the most posteriorly protruding point of the heel bone and the end of the nail phalanx of the 1st or 2nd toe using a thick compass.

Table 1. - Correlation between foot length and shoe size

Determining the size of clothing and workwear is determined by measuring the chest circumference in a state of quiet breathing (pause), maximum inhalation and maximum exhalation using a measuring tape. At the back, the tape should pass along the lower corners of the shoulder blades, and at the front, along the midsternal point. The clothing size is equal to half the chest circumference in centimeters.

Determining the size of the headdress is possible by measuring the circumference of the head. A measuring tape is applied at the back along the occipital point, and at the front along the glabella (the point between the eyebrows).

Each teacher, dealing with his students every day, bears a special responsibility for their normal development, therefore, it is mandatory for the teacher to be able to quickly and correctly assess the degree of physical development of children and adolescents. This is important not only from a hygienic point of view, but is also necessary for the proper organization of individual educational work, since children with worse developmental indicators require more attention.

For everyday assessment of the physical development of adolescents in the process of teaching work, it is not at all necessary to master the entire complex of anthropometric techniques. It is enough to take into account the main anthropometric indicators: the length and weight of the child’s body, which at different stages of ontogenesis change with different intensity, which indicates different intensity of the processes of physical development of children and adolescents.

Thus, the most intense changes in body length and weight occur in the first years of postnatal development. During the first year, the child’s body length increases by an average of 25 cm, and his weight increases by 6-7 kg. This stage of ontogenesis is often called first stretch period. Then the pace of development decreases somewhat and a period of so-called rounding(on average from 1 year to 3 years). A new increase in growth rates is observed in 5-7 years - second stretch period. Annual body growth at this time can be 7-10 cm. Then a slowdown in growth is observed again - the second rounding period (from 7 to 10-11 years).

An increase in the rate of physical development is observed during puberty - third stretch period(from 11-12 to 15-16 years). In subsequent years, the rate of physical development decreases, and growth in women stops at approximately 18-22 years, and in men at 20-25 years.

An external indicator of development is also a change in body proportions: with age, the relative size of the head decreases and the absolute and relative length of the arms and legs increases. Changes in body proportions can serve as indirect signs of children’s biological maturity and their readiness for school.

The processes of growth and development of children do not have sharp gender differences until the age of ten. Further, the physical development of girls proceeds faster, which is characterized by their higher growth. By the age of 14-15, boys catch up and then surpass girls in height, but continue to lag behind in physical development in general. Figuratively speaking, girls reach the finish line - the functional level of an adult organism - 1-3 years earlier than boys. With the achievement of the morphological and functional level of an adult organism, developmental processes continue until the last days of life.

The growth and development of all organs and physiological systems of the human body does not occur simultaneously and unevenly, i.e. heterochronically(from Greek heteros- another, chronos- time).

First of all, those organs whose functioning is vital for the body develop and improve. For example, the heart functions already in the third week of prenatal development, and the kidneys form much later and come into effect only in the newborn child.

Heterochronicity of development does not deny its harmony, since the non-simultaneous maturation of the morphofunctional systems of the child’s body provides him with the necessary mobility, reliable functioning of the entire organism and optimal (harmonious) interaction with environmental conditions that become more complex in the process of development.

“Heterochrony is a special pattern consisting in the uneven deployment of hereditary information. Thanks to this hereditarily fixed feature of maturation, the basic requirement for the survival of a newborn is ensured,” wrote P.K. Anokhin, “a harmonious relationship between the structure and function of a given newborn organism with the sudden impact of environmental factors on it.”

Thus, the harmony of development is characterized by the fact that at each age stage of ontogenesis the functional capabilities of the body correspond to the requirements imposed on a person by the environment.

Along with the harmonious development, there are special stages of the most dramatic spasmodic anatomical and physiological transformations. In postnatal development there are three such "critical period", or “age crisis”. First critical period observed between the ages of 2 and 3 1/2 years, i.e., during the period when the child begins to actively move. At the same time, the sphere of his communication with the outside world sharply increases, and intensive formation of speech and consciousness occurs. Along with the intensive physical and mental development of the child, educational demands also increase, which together leads to intense work of the physiological systems of his body, and if the demands are too high, to their “breakdown”. The nervous system is especially vulnerable; its overstrain leads to impaired mental development and the appearance of various mental illnesses. According to medical statistics, it is during this period of development that most mental illnesses appear, and those raising a child should never forget about this. During this period of ontogenesis, it is also important for parents and educators to take all possible measures to prevent childhood injuries, since about 40% of deaths from children’s household and transport injuries occur in the child’s first four years.

Second critical period coincides with the beginning of schooling and occurs at the age of 6-8 years. During these years, new people enter the child's life - school teachers and school friends. The way of his entire life changes, a number of new responsibilities appear, motor activity decreases, etc. All these factors together lead to intense activity of the physiological systems of the body, therefore, during this period of adaptation, or adaptation, to school conditions, a particularly careful attitude towards the child from the school and parents. Teachers, educators and parents should also take into account that the second critical period accounts for the largest number of transport accidents, and explaining traffic rules to children is an important factor in preventing transport tragedies.

Third critical period(pubertal) is associated with changes in the hormonal balance in the body, with the maturation and restructuring of the functioning of the endocrine glands. This usually occurs at the age of 11-15, i.e., in adolescence, which is also characterized by increased vulnerability of the nervous system and the occurrence of many nervous disorders and mental illnesses.

Self-control issues

1. Open the diagram of the sequence of growth and development of the organism.

2. Justify the physiological necessity of the phenomenon of heterochrony.

3. Name the main physiological characteristics of adolescence and young adulthood.

Test

1. Quantitative changes in the body are called... (growth)

2. Qualitative changes in the body are called ... (development)

3. Which of the following signs are anthropometric?

a) body weight

b) secondary sexual characteristics

c) physical development

d) vital capacity of the lungs