Anthropological, Hematological and Cardio-Physiological Variables in Physically Active Boys and Girls

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is stimulatory physiologic stress for the human body and regular PA induces significant changes in many physiological, biochemical and anthropological parameters. The aim of this study is to determine the values and the differences among the cardio-physiological, hematological and anthropological parameters for different age and gender subgroups in healthy physically active children and an adolescent population. An anthropometric evaluation (Matiegka protocol), hematological analysis i.e., red blood cells count (RBC), hemoglobin level, hematocrit, and ergometrical testing (Brus protocol) were made. Regarding mass and height until the age of 12 (U12), girls were heavier and taller than boys. The mean values for relative muscle mass in all the groups of boys and girls of different ages are in the optimal range (>50%) and indicate well developed muscle mass. There are no differences between the same age subgroups for this anthropometric parameter between the boys and girls. All the subgroups of girls of different ages showed higher body fat percent than their male siblings. Among the girls, RBC variables did not show a difference in the age subgroups. Regarding gender, all RBC variables were significantly higher among the male groups, except the U12. Cardio-physiological parameters of heart frequency at rest, exercise time duration and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), were significantly higher among the boys. In all age-based male subgroups VO2max was higher among the older boys. Conclusion: This study has shown age related changes in anthropological, hematological and ergometrical parameters in a male and female young active population. The girls showed significantly lower levels of cardio-physiological fitness which can be contributed either to gender and lower volume of PA.