Somatotypological characterization of Bulgarian children and adolescents (Smolyan region).

The aim of this study is to investigate age- and sex-related changes in somatotypological characteristics of Bulgarian children and adolescents from Smolyan region. The investigated sample in this work included a total 1086 (559 boys and 527 girls), aged 7-17 years and measured cross-sectional between 1998-2001. Standard anthropometric technique and instruments were used. The anthropometric variables of the weight (W), height (H), humerus and femur width, calf and arm flexed and tensed girth were measured by Martin-Saller's method (1957). The thickness of the four skinfolds -the triceps, biceps, subscapular and medial calf on the right side also were measured. These anthropometrical measurements were required for determining three Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype components. Data processing and statistical analysis was made by Statistica software package using descriptive analysis and one -way ANOVA for the assessment of age- and sex differences between groups. The results show specific age- and sex-related changes in somatotype characters, mean somatotype and inter-sex differences between values of somatotype components of both sexes.