Abstract: Objectives This study provided a scientific basis for narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas through exploring the development trend and causes of physical differences of primary and secondary school students between urban and rural area in Wuhan City in recent 10 years. Methods Vital capacity and vital capacity/body weight index of 14 400 primary and secondary school students in Wuhan City were statistically analysed based on the data of National Students′Physique and Health Investigation and Study Report of 2005, 2010 and 2014. The average values of vital capacity and vital capacity/body weight index of different areas were statistically analysed with test, The physical activities of students with questionnaire investigation in 2010 and 2014 were statistically analysed. Results In recent 10 years, the physical functions of the rural male and female students in the lower grades of Wuhan primary schools were better than those of the urban students, the advantages have been expanded in recent 5 years. The physical functions of rural male and female students gradually lagged behind urban students over 11（female）or 12（male）years old. In recent 5 years, the proportion of male and female students who exercised 1 h or more per day was lower than that of rural students in 9-12 years old, the proportion of male and female students who exercised 1 h or more per day was higher than that of rural students in 13-15 years old. Conclusions The 1 hour physical activity every day will improve the urban and rural students′ ployical condition, the students, parents,schools and society should make joint efforts to implement the physical activity.

Key words: Wuhan city, primary and secondary school students, physical function, differences between urban and rural, the trend of change