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in 397 cases before departure. In all 13,133 children were examined, and of these
66 were excluded as unfit to take part in the journeys on various grounds, of which
ear discharge, impetigo, scabies and dental unfitness accounted for most. Several
children were provisionally rejected on grounds connected with personal hygiene
but were subsequently passed after visiting a bathing centre. Separate figures are
given on page 46 respecting the school journeys from open-air schools for tuberculous
children.
Physical education
Attention has been concentrated in 1936 on the interlocking problems of nutrition
and physical education. Pronouncements by members of the Government, the impending
issue of the Government's scheme and debates in the Houses of Parliament
all contributed to this welcome interest in the physical condition of the people, the
improvement of which is the aim and object of the school medical service.
In April, 1936, was issued the report of the Physical Education Committee of
the British Medical Association. This report strongly recommended that research
into the physiology of physical training should be undertaken. In the Government's
scheme it is proposed that among the activities of the National College shall be the
investigation of such problems. The British Medical Association also stressed the
desirableness of a far closer relation than has hitherto obtained being established
between physical education and the work of the medical profession.
It seems most desirable that school medical officers should be given greater
opportunities to identify themselves with the physical activities of the schools.
Physiologists have hastened to stress the dependence of physical fitness upon proper
nutrition, and this dependence makes the correlation of physical education and work
of the school medical service of great importance.
The habitual postures shown by the children in school, when unaware that
observation is being made, give important indications of the efficacy of the scheme
for physical education. Many school doctors have reported that considerable differences
in this respect are found between school and school, for which no cause can be
found other than the varying importance attached to physical education and the
thoroughness with which it is carried out.
The following is a brief account of observations made by Dr. Batten in the course
of routine medical inspections on the posture of children in eight elementary schools,
mostlv in Paddington.
Posture of
children in
elementary
schools.
These observations have accumulated during the course of several months, and are now
summarised here. They relate to 674 children, each of whom has been placed in one or other of
the four categories defined below.
Posture 1.—The ideal posture, as illustrated in any good book on physical culture. Head
erect, mouth closed, chest expanding well in inspiration. The appearance of a " straight back
and flat belly "in profile, i.e., normal dorsal and lumbar curves and normal abdominal contours ;
arms hanging easily between the anterior and posterior axillary lines, shoulder blades lying flat
on the back without conscious effort. An appearance of good muscle tone. Almost invariably
a facial expression of alertness and confidence was also present.
Posture 2.—Neutrals rather than normals. They show no actual fault, but definitely
lack the positive good qualities of class 1.
Posture 4.—The posture of an asthenic, hypotonic or thoroughly unathletic child, almost
always displaying facial or other evidence of either apathy or timidity, or an excessive shyness
or lack of confidence or of personal pride. In detail: head poked forward or hanging, dorsal
and lumbar curves exaggerated with appearance of round back and shoulders, flat or hollow chest
and prominent belly. Scapulae widely separated with shoulders forward and sometimes hunched
up; shallow breathing and often mouth breathing are frequent accompaniments.
Posture 3.—Some or perhaps all of the above faults, definitely present but in slight degree.