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Dr. Nicol has formed the opinion that a twelve-weeks' stay would be more satisfactory
to the children and staff.
Physical Training.
The three years' programme included the formation of 100 "health classes"
in the schools. These classes are composed of children selected by the school
doctor for various incipient deformities, including postural curvature of the spine,
flat feet, and defective expansion of the chest. An experienced teacher takes the
children for special physical exercises daily, and the class is supervised by the school
doctor and the organiser of physical education. 84 classes were organised during
1925, and it is hoped that the total of 100 will be reached early in 1926.
Reports from the school doctors testify to the great advantages arising from this
preventive work. Two of the reports, that of Dr. E. K. Macdonald on the Gideon
Road class and Dr. C. E. Thornton on the Smallwood Road class, are appended as
illustrations of the excellent results obtained.
Report on the Health (Remedial Exercises) Class of Gideon Road School (G.),
Battersea S., for 1925.—This class is held daily during term time for 15-20 minutes,
and during 1925, 22 girls have attended for varying periods. Of these, 13 have been
in the class for at least twelve months, and these all show satisfactory improvement
with the exception of two especially noted below. All 13 gained in weight, the average
for two months being 4.08 kgs.; 12 gained in height, average being 5.4 cms.; all
increased the total chest measurement figures by in. to 2 in. increase; 8 increased
the chest expansion figures, 3 remained stationary, and the remaining 2 lost ¼ in.
in their expansion. General improvement in stature, in the condition of enlarged
glands, and in the various forms of curvature was considerable. Of the two children
noted above, one has still definite anaemia and slight scoliosis; her general condition
is not good, and although she has been recommended to go to Bournemouth on
several occasions, this has not yet been possible. The other is a very tall
kyphotic girl who has been attending St. Thomas's Hospital for her back for a
long time.
Five other children have attended the class for periods varying from five to
nine months; all show an increase in weight, the average being 1.8 kgs., four out of
the five have gained an average of 1.4 cms. in height; three show definite improvement
in their scoliosis; one is under observation with choreic movements, and the
last of these five does not show much improvement in her scoliosis, but the condition
of her lungs has improved.
Of the remaining four children, two have left to go to an open-air school, and
two were discharged as sufficiently improved.