Morphofunctional features of body structure in adolescents (11–15 years) under modern socio-ecological conditions

Abstract

The period between 11 and 15 years is considered one of the most unstable and critical stages in human life. In scientific literature, it is defined as “critical” due to the profound restructuring of the organism at all levels. The objective of this article is to systematize and scientifically analyze current data on the morphofunctional features of body structure in middle-school adolescents, as well as to determine the influence of socio-ecological factors on their physical development and adaptive capacities. The research methods included a review and synthesis of Ukrainian and international scientific publications from 2020 to 2026, analysis of anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, chest circumference), body mass index, and lung vital capacity. The results showed that the average somatometric indicators of Ukrainian adolescents differ somewhat from international data, which is largely determined by socio-economic and ecological conditions. It was established that physical development in adolescents is significantly influenced by urbanization, level of physical activity, dietary habits, psycho-emotional state, and the impact of military actions, which may lead to growth delays, body disproportions, as well as tendencies toward obesity or underweight. Unresolved aspects of the problem were identified, particularly the insufficient study of the complex influence of socio-ecological factors on the harmonious morphofunctional development and adaptive capacities of the organism. The conclusions emphasize the necessity of systematic monitoring of somatometric indicators in adolescents and the implementation of interdisciplinary research aimed at integrating somatometric data with socio-ecological characteristics of the environment, as well as the development of preventive and corrective programs to ensure optimal conditions for adolescent physical development in modern socio-ecological realities.