Morphological and functional characteristics of Mongolian children and adolescents with different level of physical activity
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Anuchin Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Mokhovaya st., 11, Moscow, 125009, Russia, Permiakova Ekaterina Yu. , Gundegmaa Lhagvasuren ,   Mongolian National Institute of Physical Education, Ikh toiruu st., 49, Ulaanbaatar, 14200, Mongolia, Godina Elena Z. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Anuchin Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Mokhovaya st., 11, Moscow, 125009, Russia,   Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism (SCOLIPE), Syrenevy boulevard, 4, Moscow, 105122, Russia
Published: August 2021

The materials for the present study were collected cross-sectionally in 2014/15 as a result of a survey of 7136 individuals from 8 to 17 years of age who were ethnic Mongols and lived in the city of Ulaanbaatar. The data was divided into 2 groups – individuals who were students of special sports schools and were engaged in sports sections of different specialization for more than a year, and individuals limited to physical education lessons at municipal schools. Anthropometric data were collected according to the standard technique, followed by assessment of the parameters of the hemodynamic and respiratory systems, as well as the dynamometry of both hands. The survey was performed in accordance with bioethical procedure and the signing of informed consent protocols. Results and discussion. The large value of the total body sizes in the groups of young athletes indicates that the morphological status of the subjects under the influence of physical activity begins to change quite early, and at the end of the period under consideration, the intergroup difference reaches a maximum, especially in boys. At the same time, the body frame index, which allows one to draw indirect conclusions about the robustness of the skeleton, differs slightly. Taking into account the age of the subjects, it can be concluded that the influence of sports on the value of the indicator manifests itself in the process of growth and parallel to increasing physical activity levels. Intergroup differences in the value of functional indicators are much more pronounced: the respiratory and hemodynamic systems demonstrate more active functioning in physically active individuals. In this case, clearer intergroup differences were found in girls. At the same time, higher indicators of dynamometry of both hands (especially in older schoolchildren), together with the results obtained above, make it possible to speak of positive shifts in the physical strength of the body, directly related to a higher level of physical activity. Conclusion. Systematic involvement in regular physical activity and various sports has a positive effect on the body functioning, significantly improving its capabilities: individuals with higher level of physical activity are more adapted to the effects of the external environment comparing to their less-active peers. This is confirmed by numerous studies by other authors. The greater degree of differences in morphological characteristics in the groups of boys, and functional indicators in the groups of girls, may be associated with the traditional Mongolian way of life, with typical gender stereotypes and roles.