Comparative Characteristics of Physical Development of Students of Cadet Schools and Secondary Schools

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the problem of the influence of the education conditions on the health of the child population is relevant in view of the existence of numerous forms of education and upbringing. AIM: To perform a comparative assessment of the parameters of physical development of children studying in different types of educational organizations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article presents the results of studies of the physical development of children and adolescents studying in the Cossack cadet corps and in a secondary school of Astrakhan. The study involved children and adolescents of male sex aged 10–17 years. As the main parameters, standard anthropometric and physiometric parameters determined by standard methods, were used. A peculiarity of studying in the Cossack corps is a round-the-clock stay in the school territory, a strict observance of work and rest schedule, regular physical activity and rational diet appropriate to the age. RESULTS: The data obtained indicate a higher physical development of cadets in comparison with schoolchildren. However, the anthropometric parameters of the school pupils corresponded to the average age-related values. Among the cadets of the Cossack corps, here were no children with overweight, and a lower amount of children with deficit of body mass in comparison with schoolchildren. Parameters of lung capacity and dynamometry were reliably higher among cadets, which indicates their better physical fitness. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of physical development of children studying in different conditions shows a positive influence of the conditions of the cadet corps on the harmonious development of children and on their physical fitness. The regular sports activity, daily routine, proper diet create the basics for healthy lifestyle and motivation of children and adolescents to preserve their health in the future.