Results of anthropometric examination of children aged 8–12 years living in the Moscow region

Despite the large number of scientific publications currently available on the variability of human morphological traits during different periods of ontogenesis, interest in this type of research continues.

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of somatometric parameters in modern children aged 8–12 years living in the Moscow region.

Materials and methods. Anthropometric measurements were taken from 228 children aged 8–12 years, attending a Moscow school. Using calibrated instruments, length, girth, and width measurements, as well as skinfold thickness on the trunk and limbs, were measured.

Results. New data were obtained on the characteristics of anthropometric parameters in schoolchildren aged 8–12 years of both sexes. In both groups of boys and girls, body weight, length, girth, and width measurements increase according to the physiological laws of growth and development as they move from one age group to another, older one. The increase in skinfold thickness is not directly related to age; The level of body fat in children aged 9–12 years of both sexes did not differ. No significant differences were found between boys and girls within the same age group for body length, body weight, waist and hip circumference, or body mass index, indicating similar morphological characteristics of physical development in children who have not yet reached puberty. Compared to boys, the girls group showed significantly greater heights at the sternal, radial, styloid, digital, pubic, and tibial points, indicating longer legs in the girls group.The diameters of the distal femur and tibia are larger in boys; no differences were found for other diameters. The circumference measurements and the difference between the tense and relaxed arm circumferences were higher in boys across all age groups.

Conclusion. It has been shown that more rapid changes between the ages of 8–12 years occur during growth processes associated with an increase in body length. The values of the WG are independent of growth processes, indicating an individual level of body fat.

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