Moscow University
Anthropology
Bulletin
Anthropology
Bulletin
1) Department of Anatomy and Anthropology and Chair in Biological Anthropology , Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University; 2) Lomonosov Moscow State University, Anuchin Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Mokhovaya st., 11, Moscow, 125009, Russia
Belkin V., e-mail: vbelkin@post.tau.ac.il; Chumakova A.M., e-mail: achumakova@mail.ru; Kobyliansky Eugene, Ph.D., e-mail: anatom14@post.tau.ac.il
Aim: to investigate peculiarities of basal metabolic rate in the South Sinai semi-nomadic endogamous tribe Museina; explore the age variability of some physiological parameters of cardiovascular, respiratory systems and basal metabolic rate in accordance with the values of some anthropometric characteristics; to compare the results of empirical measurements of basal metabolic rate with those calculated by the standard regression equations [Harris, Benedict, 1918; Boothby et al., 1939; Schofield et al., 1985]. Materials and methods. Anthropometric data were collected in 1979–1982 by a research team of the Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University. The sample of adult men of Museina tribe consisted of 150 individuals, age from 17 to 70 years, was examined by standard anthropometric program [Martin, 1928]. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) (kcal/h) was measured in 88 men by indirect calorimetry with the use of «The Benedict-Roth Metabolism Apparatus». The results of empirical measurements of basal metabolic rate were compared with the BMR calculated by nomograms for clinical application [Boothby et al., 1936]. In addition, the expected basal metabolic rates were calculated from the equation of Harris and Benedict [1918], which takes into account weight, height and age of the individual and on the equations of Schofield et al. [1985], based on age-related changes of the weight. Results. Museina tribe can be described as not susceptible to accumulate excess weight (obesity). The thickness of the fat fold on the abdomen and subscapular fat fold increases with age, skin-fat folds on the shoulder increases only in the older age group. BMI values correspond to normal European standards. Lack of any association between blood pressure rate and body mass index (BMI) was recorded. Empirical data on basal metabolic rate are significantly higher in older age groups; no age differences were observed in metabolic rate calculated by standard equations regression approach. It was revealed a reliable age-related increase of the body weight and BMI. Detected no association of BMI with blood pressure values. Conclusion: The studied group can be characterized by relatively low rates of physical development, a low predisposition to obesity, lower risk of hypertension. The average basal metabolic rate in the South Sinai Bedouin tribe Muzeina (equal to 1591.2 ± 226.5kkal/man) is comparable with the metabolism of undernourished populations and assessed as prethreshold. It was shown the significant independent of body weight association between the basal metabolic rate and blood pressure values. Detected the phenomenon of elevated basal metabolic rate in the oldest age group of the South Sinai Bedouin tribe Muzeina.
physical anthropology, the basal metabolic rate, age-related variability, blood pressure, BMI, South Sinai Bedouins
Цит.: Belkin V., Chumakova A.M., Kobyliansky E. The physical status of South Sinai Bedouins and some peculiarities of their basal metabolic rate // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2012; 2/2012; с. 87-102
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