SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN CHEST DIMENSIONS IN 9-10 – YEARS OLD BULGARIAN CHILDREN

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to characterize the sexual differences in chest dimensions and shape in Bulgarian schoolchildren and the relation of chest measurements with vital capacity and some anthropometric parameters. Material and methods. A total of 107 (60 boys and 47 girls) schoolchildren aged 9-10 years from Sofia, Bulgaria were studied. Chest’s diameters and circumference, waist circumference and vital capacity of each subject were measured. Thoracic index and BMI were calculated. Results. In 9-10 years old children the sexual differences of some variables are well expressed as the boys had greater values than girls. Conclusions. Significant positive association of all chest dimensions with anthropometric features in both sexes was observed. A significant and positive relation between some torso parameters and vital capacity also was found. In boys it was low and in girls - moderate.

Keywords

• chest dimensions
• thoracic index
• vital capacity
• Bulgarian schoolchildren