Physical development comparative study among aborigines inhabiting different regions of Russia’s Northeast

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adaptation to climatic conditions influences the main characteristics of subjective physical development and morphofunctional state. These characteristics tend to differ in different geographical regions of northeast Russia. AIMS: A comparative analysis of basic somatometric indicators was conducted to identify differences between representatives of Magadan Region and Chukotka Autonomous District. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight young men aged 1721 years old (Koryaks and Evens) from Magadan Region (the City of Magadan) and 87 young men (Chukchi) aged 1721 years old from Chukotka Autonomous District (the City of Anadyr) participated in this study. Chest circumference was measured, and body mass index and body area were calculated by using the length and weight of the body. The strength of the physique was estimated by applying the Pinier index, and the total body fat content in the two groups was determined. RESULTS: Somatometric indicators exhibited by modern young male aborigines inhabiting different regions of the Far East demonstrated no significant differences between groups. However, relative to that to that of their peers in previous years, the subjective overall body size of the analyzed samples from the two regions had increased (body length: by 7.7 cm in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and 6.5 cm in the Magadan Region; body weight: by 3.7 kg in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and by 4.4 kg in the Magadan Region). CONCLUSION: Aborigines from Magadan Region and Chukotka Autonomous District developed morphotypes with accelerated variables. The changes observed were not dependent on the region of residence or ethnicity.