ADVANCED METHODOLOGIES IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL NORMS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN EVALUATING HUMAN HEALTH

Abstract

Aim. This study aims to critically examine the methodologies employed in the conceptualization of the term “norm” and to evaluate the application of normative indicators within clinical practice, utilizing reference intervals and threshold values. Materials and methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, leveraging the PubMed database and eLibrary platforms to identify original studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2023. Results. The study elucidates the intrinsic relationship between the concepts of “health” and “norm,” often juxtaposed against pathology. This necessitates a nuanced interpretation of normative indicators and the identification of transitional states. In clinical practice, the evaluation of normative indicators relies on the utilization of reference intervals and threshold values, each calculated through distinct methodologies tailored to the specific requirements of various clinical tasks. The definition of “norm” encompasses climatic-geographical, chronobiological, and functional criteria, with the predominant approach being functional. This approach considers individual typological characteristics at various developmental stages and accounts for environmental changes. A significant indicator of individual health is the daily volume of locomotion, which delineates functional constitution. Given the variability of the physiological norm in assessing human health, it is imperative to consider individual typological characteristics in evaluating pre-nosological conditions and implementing preventive medicine stra­tegies. Conclusion. The development of innovative methodologies for assessing human health facilitates the identification of risk groups for early diagnosis. Moreover, it enables the restoration of patients to a physiological norm, enhancing resilience to various environmental conditions.