Health Status of Primary School Children Studying in Dynamic Postures

Abstract

Background: The innovative form of organizing schooling in the mode of dynamic postures providing for alternation of standing and sitting postures at each lesson is implemented in order to prevent detrimental health effects of the long-term stationary sitting posture, reduce static and educational fatigue, preserve and strengthen health in educational institutions. Our objective was to assess the health status of primary school children studying in dynamic postures. Materials and methods: We assessed the health status of 174 pupils aged 7–10 in the first to third grades of primary school studying in the mode of dynamic postures. The health data was obtained from their personal medical records. The assessment was carried out in accordance with the comprehensive methodology for assessing health of children and adolescents based on the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Physical development was measured using regression scales. Results: We established that visual impairment (137.9‰) and musculoskeletal disorders (109.2‰) ranked highest in the structure of functional disorders (FD) among the first to third graders. The prevalence of functional disorders of the circulatory and respiratory system was 86.2‰ and 80.5‰, respectively. Musculoskeletal conditions dominated in the structure of chronic diseases (63.0%), the prevalence being 293.1‰. These were followed by diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and gastrointestinal diseases with the prevalence rate of 46.0‰ each. The total prevalence of functional abnormalities among the primary school first to third graders was 500.0‰ while the prevalence rate of chronic diseases was 465.5‰. Normal physical development was observed in 82.9% of the subjects. Overweight and obesity were detected in 11% and 0.6% of the children, respectively, while underweight, small and big height were measured in 3.1%, 1.8%, and 0.6% of the children, respectively. Conclusions: The comparative data analysis helped establish lower disease prevalence rates among the children studying in dynamic postures compared to those studying in the seated position. Our findings may serve as a scientific substantiation of efficiency of using the dynamic posture regime in order to maintain and improve health of schoolchildren.