Abstract: By using data of the Shandong Province survey of students. physical fitness and health from the years 1985, 1995 and 2000, tall stature and short stature children were determined according to the P97 and P3 percentile norms of stature of Chinese Han nationality children1 Stature and physical fitness was assessed for the period of 15 years (between 1985 and 2000) and indicated a significant increase in stature. Tall stature does not mean better physical fitness and health status, whereas short stature children were poor in physical fitness. Thus measures for promoting growth and health should be adopted among children of both tall and short stature.

Key words: Tall stature; Short stature; Physical fitness; Children