The level of students’ physical development depending on the ethno-territorial variability of morpho-functional features

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The variability of interpopulation morphofunctional traits in humans is closely related to various environmental factors. However, body composition has a significant relationship with indicators of physical fitness, human performance, with its adaptation to environmental conditions. The aim of the work is to investigate ethno-territorial variability of morphological characteristics of students studying at Ukrainian universities. Material and methods. Datum were from cross-sectional surveys since 2014 through 2019. Male students aged 18–25 years old (n = 488) of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University from different countries were recruited. Anthropometric methods included body length (BH), body weight (BW), chest girth in three states: at maximum, maximum inspiration and rest; skinfolds thicknesses and epiphysis measurements. Somatometric physical development indicators (body mass index - BMI), Kettle’, Pignet’, Livi’ and Erismann’ indexes) were calculated on the basis of these parameters. Body composition (absolute and relative amounts of skeletal, fat and muscle components) were determined using Matiegka formula. Results. It was found that the average growth of students in European countries is higher compared to students from Asia (9-10%) and Africa (3-5%). Reliably significant differences (p <.05) in body weight indicators between all ethnic groups were found. Students from India are characterized by very low levels of relative body fat. Most representatives of Egypt (61.4%) and Jordan (50.9%) are characterized by moderately high fat content. For representatives of all other countries, this figure is within the optimal ratio. Conclusions. The obtained results showed that anthropometric and morphometric indicators of students aged 18-25 change statistically significantly depending on the ethno-territorial factor. Thus, the study of ethnic variability of morphological characteristics is of great importance for the individualization of physical training of students from other countries in higher education institutions of Ukraine.