Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, accompanied by a wide range
of neurological disorders. Somatic characteristics of patients, in particular anthropometric indicators, can play a role in the clinical
course of the disease and its prognosis. The study of body composition in patients of different sexes allows us to identify potential
gender features that can be useful for a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. The relevance of the study is due to
the need for a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between somatotypological parameters and neurodegenerative
processes. The aim of the study is to establish the characteristics and gender differences in body circumference dimensions in
young Ukrainian men and women with multiple sclerosis with varying degrees of disability. Body circumference dimensions were
determined in 35 Ukrainian men and 59 young women with multiple sclerosis with mild, moderate and moderately severe impairments. The initial body circumference dimensions of 82 practically healthy Ukrainian men and 101 women of similar age were
taken from the data bank of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya Research Center. Statistical analysis was
performed in the “Statistica 6.0” license package using non-parametric evaluation methods. When comparing body circumference
dimensions between practically healthy men or women and those with multiple sclerosis, numerous significant or trends in differences were established: in all groups of sick men and women – larger values of the circumferences of the forearm and lower leg
and foot; in all groups of male patients – larger values of the upper arm circumference; in all groups of patients and women – larger
values of the hand, waist and chest circumferences on exhalation; in most groups of male and female patients – larger values of
other girth sizes of the upper, lower limbs and trunk. Between male or female patients with multiple sclerosis, numerous significant
or trends of differences were established only for the girths of the upper limb and trunk in men (smaller values in patients with
moderate disorders compared to mild and moderately severe disorders). Between male and female patients with multiple sclerosis,
pronounced manifestations of sexual dimorphism of all girth sizes of the upper limbs and trunk were established (significantly larger
values in male patients of the general group, with mild and moderately severe disorders).
