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ISSN 2522-9028 (Print)
ISSN 2522-9036 (Online)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/fz

Fiziologichnyi Zhurnal

(English title: Physiological Journal)

is a scientific journal issued by the

Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Editor-in-chief: V.F. Sagach

The journal was founded in 1955 as
1955 – 1977 "Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal" (ISSN 0015 – 3311)
1978 – 1993 "Fiziologicheskii zhurnal" (ISSN 0201 – 8489)
1994 – 2016 "Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal" (ISSN 0201 – 8489)
2017 – "Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal" (ISSN 2522-9028)

Fiziol. Zh. 2026; 72(4): 59-66

Somatotypological features of the functional state of the respiratory system and aerobic productivity in young people

B.O. Lisova, O.O. Horodetska, Yu.V. Kyrychenko

  1. National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/fz72.04.059


Abstract

In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, a comprehensive assessment of the medical and social situ- ation remains a priority. Particular attention should be given to the functional state of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in young people, as this age period is critical for the formation of the body' s adaptive reserves. Despite the availability of studies on morphofunctional characteristics, the relationship between somatotype and aerobic performance in adolescence remains insufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to determine somatotypological characteristics, functional parameters of the respiratory system, and levels of aerobic performance in boys and girls of different constitutional types. A total of 58 clinically healthy individuals (25 boys and 33 girls aged 19-20 years) were examined. Somatotyping was performed using the Heath-Carter method, with classification into five groups: balanced, ectomorphic, endomorphic, endomorphic–mesomorphic, and mesomorphic types. Functional status was assessed by spirography (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, inspiratory reserve volume) and bicycle ergometry (PWC test, VO₂max). It was found that the mean values of respiratory and cardiovascular parameters were within physi- ological norms but showed a clear dependence on somatotype. Individuals with a mesomorphic somatotype demonstrated a more efficient breathing pattern (lower respiratory rate) and higher volumetric indicators. The ectomorphic somatotype was associated with lower blood pressure and higher relative aerobic capac- ity. The lowest values of vital capacity, inspiratory reserve volume, Tiffeneau–Wohlwill index, and physical performance indicators were observed in individuals with an endomorphic somatotype. Pronounced sex differences were observed: boys in all groups exhibited higher respiratory muscle strength and greater lung volume characteristics compared with girls. Thus, it was found that the constitutional factor significantly modifies the body' s functional parameters. Individuals with an endomorphic somatotype appear to be at higher risk due to reduced respiratory reserve capacity and lower aerobic performance. These findings support the need for individualized health monitoring standards in young people, considering somatotype.

Keywords: indicators of external respiration; somatotype; adolescence; spirometry; maximal oxygen consumption

Full text: (PDF, in English)

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