Comparative characteristics of morphological features

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The purpose of the study is to give a comparative description of the somatotypes, anatomical components of the body, and motor qualities of female students studied at the university (Irkutsk, Russia) in 2009 and 2019. Material and methods. It was conducted the survey and somatotypological diagnosis of 1226 female students (in 2009 – n = 762; in 2019 – n = 464) on 27 anthropometric parameters. It was measured: Pinier index; the average value of the absolute and percentage of the bone component of the body (BC), the fat component of the body (FC), and muscle component of the body (MC). The following indicators were evaluated by motor tests: speed endurance and agility; speed; speed and strength endurance of the trunk flexor muscles; strength and endurance of the shoulder girdle muscles; dynamic strength of the lower limb muscles; active flexibility of the spine; overall endurance. Results. In 2019, compared to 2009, there was observed: a decrease (by 19.6%) in the number of normosthenic females; an increase in the number of hypersthenics (by 70.9%), and asthenics (by 27.4%); body weight gain; decrease in body length. The values of the following indicators significantly decreased in 2019: the trunk length, upper and lower limbs; chest circumference. There was a decrease in the average values of body circumference; shoulder width. It was observed an increase in pelvic width. In 2019, compared to 2009, the following indicators were determined in females of all somatotypes: a significant increase in body fat content and a decrease in muscle mass (p <0.05). As a result, the strength of the hands' dynamometry decreased. After 10 years, the bone component in the females’ body has not changed. Conclusions. The obtained data indicate a deterioration in all motor skills of females surveyed in 2019, compared to 2009. This is a consequence of the growing hypodynamics of modern youth. The obtained results of surveys expand the database of anthropometric and motor parameters of the young generation of Russia. This data can be used in planning training and coaching activities in educational and sports organizations.