Anthropometric parameters of 7-8-year-old children living in the Altai Тerritory

Introduction. The age of 7–8 years is a milestone in the ontogenesis of a child, biologically and socially significant, as it completes the period of “neutral childhood”. This is the time when schooling begins. Aim. To determine anthropometric parameters of 7–8-year-old children living in the Altai Territory and assess their physical development. Materials and methods. The study involved 87 boys and 91 girls aged 7–8 years from the secondary school in the city of Barnaul. Anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, limb lengths, and circumferences – 17 parameters in total) were carried out at the beginning and the end of the school year for 2 years from autumn 2019, when the children started school, to spring 2021. The level of physical development was assessed using the Quetelet and Pignet indices. Results. Over 2 years, boys’ body weight increased by 4 kg, height – by 6 cm, chest circumference – by 5 cm, and waist circumference – by 3 cm; girls’ body weight increased by 6 kg, height – by 8 cm, chest circumference – by 7 cm, and waist circumference – by 6 cm. The Pignet index in 7–8-year-old children corresponds to ectomorphic somatotype. At the age of 7, underweight children predominate. At the age of 8, the percentage of overweight children increases significantly, indicating an unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity. Body weight is almost the same for both boys and girls. Boys are taller (p = 0,01). During the summer holidays, a more intense increase in both body weight and height is observed than during the school year. A low percentage of schoolchildren with harmonious development is noted. The proportion of overweight 8-year-old schoolchildren increases. Conclusion. The 7-year-old schoolchildren had a harmonious development, while the 8-year-olds had a disharmonious one. These children have a slim physique.