SUMMARY
The article presents changes of physical state of children under the influence of studying in elementary school. The purpose of the study was to determine the dynamics of children physical condition during primary education in order to find ways to improve the effectiveness of physical education. Materials and instruments: 558 children, including 288 boys and 270 girls, have taken part in the study from first to fourth grade. The study was being conducted during 2016-2019 years at educational institutions of Dnipropetrovsk region (Ukraine) (schools ?? 28, 33, 35, 66). Anthropometric measurements included body length, body weight and chest circumference. The following tests were used to assess physical fitness: 30-meters run, 4x9-meters shuttle run, 1000-meters run, long jump, abdominal strength & endurance, tilt forward, push ups. Measurements were made in the end of every academic year. Statistical analysis covered determination of mean, standard deviation, reliability of the differences in average values (Student`s t-test) and the growth rate of physical qualities (by the Brody`s formula). Results: indicators of physical development correspond to norms. The increase in physical fitness indicators of children slows down by the end of primary education. It can be partly explained by the irrational organization of physical education. Study results provide a basis to learn foreign experience of transformation of physical education system at schools. Conclusions: Studying of positive foreign experience allowed us to choose ways for developing and implementing new approaches to organizing the system of physical culture and health work at schools.