Evaluation of physical development parameters in primary school children with different levels of intellectual development

The number of children with functional disorders and chronic illnesses, including those with cognitive developmental delays, is increasing during their school years. Despite its relatively low prevalence, mental retardation (ICD-10: F70-F79) represents a significant medical and social problem for the country, necessitating a comprehensive approach to researching this condition. Objective. To analyze the anthropometric and index characteristics of physical development in primary school-aged children depending on their level of intellectual development. Materials and Methods. The study involved 162 primary school-aged children, 51 of whom were diagnosed with mental retardation (mild mental retardation (F70) was diagnosed in 27 children, and moderate mental retardation (F71) in 24 children). The control group consisted of 111 intellectually healthy children. Physical development was assessed using standardized methods. Results. Intellectually healthy children are characterized by predominantly average (59%, n=66, p<0.05) and harmonious (55%, n=60, p<0.05) physical development. In children with mild mental retardation, physical development indicators are similar to those in the control group: the majority of children have average physical development (74%, n=20), but the proportion of harmonious development is reduced (44%, n=12) due to the increased number of children with underweight and overweight. In the group with moderate mental retardation, 58% (n=14) of children are characterized by disharmonious development, with a pronounced predominance of excess body weight (p<0.05). However, only 25% (p<0.05) of children in this group demonstrated average and harmonious physical development. Conclusion. Given the identified imbalance in physical components in children with mental retardation, a comprehensive approach is needed in studying physical development parameters to identify the most vulnerable groups in this population and a personalized approach to preventive and therapeutic measures.

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