Sarkizov-Serazini, Ivan Mikhailovich

Sarkizov-Serazini, Ivan Mikhailovich 

Born July 18 (30), 1887, in Yalta; died Mar. 18, 1964, in Moscow. Soviet scientist; one of the founders of exercise therapy and sports medicine in the USSR. Doctor of medical sciences (1938), professor (1946). Honored Scientist of the RSFSR (1957).

In 1922, Sarkizov-Serazini graduated from the medical department of Moscow University. Beginning in 1923 he worked at the Institute of Physical Culture in Moscow (now the State Central Institute of Physical Culture); from 1944 to 1964 he was head of the institute’s subdepartment of exercise therapy and massage. Sarkizov-Serazini’s principal works dealt with the methodology of exercise therapy, as well as with sports-related massages, health resort science, physical therapy, climatology, climatotherapy, the hardening of the body, and the control of premature aging. His textbooks for institutes of physical education include Principles of the Hardening of the Body.

Sarkizov-Serazini also wrote fiction. In 1960 he donated to the state his collection of paintings by famous 19th-century Russian artists (approximately 100 canvases) and his library (approximately 10,000 books and manuscripts). Sakizov-Serazini was awarded two Orders of Lenin, three other orders, and various medals.