THE ROLE OF STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT IN SCHOOLCHILDREN

ABSTRACT

The development of strength abilities in school-aged children is a crucial component of physical education. Strength serves as the foundation for many physical qualities, including speed, endurance, and coordination. This article explores the importance of developing strength in schoolchildren, its physiological basis, age-specific characteristics, and effective training methods within the educational process. The findings are supported by national and international research in the fields of sports pedagogy and age physiology [3, с. 88; 7, с. 12].

Keywords: strength development, schoolchildren, physical education, motor skills, health, training methods.

1. Introduction

Physical education in schools aims not only to promote health and prevent disease but also to form key physical qualities, one of the most essential being strength. Strength is the ability of muscles to overcome resistance or to act against it [5, с. 55]. It is directly related to the effectiveness of motor actions in sports and everyday life. In modern educational settings, strength development is often undervalued in favor of general fitness activities. However, without a foundation of strength, schoolchildren may struggle with physical coordination, posture, and motor efficiency, especially during growth spurts and puberty [1, с. 47].

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1. The Importance of Strength in Physical Education

Strength underlies nearly all motor activity. In schoolchildren, its development enhances their performance in sports games, gymnastic routines, and even basic actions such as running, jumping, and lifting [8, с. 120]. Furthermore, strength contributes to better control of body movements and injury prevention.

Increased muscular strength is also associated with improved metabolic rate, bone density, and posture — crucial health parameters during adolescence [4, с. 28].

2.2. Age-Related Features of Strength Development

Children's strength develops naturally through physical activity. However, structured strength development must consider anatomical and physiological characteristics. For example, preadolescent children possess high neural plasticity but lower hormonal support for hypertrophy; thus, training should emphasize neuromuscular coordination and general movement patterns [6, с. 93]. It is recommended to start targeted strength exercises around the ages of 10–12, progressively.

3. Methods of Strength Development in Schoolchildren

The most effective approaches to strength development in children involve a combination of general physical training and game-based methods. Strength exercises should be adapted to the psychophysiological capabilities of each age group.

3.1. General Developmental Exercises

Exercises with one’s own body weight — such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks — are considered safe and effective for schoolchildren. These exercises strengthen large muscle groups without risking injury to growing joints [5, с. 61].

Dynamic circuit training with low-intensity loads (medicine balls, elastic bands) also improves muscular endurance and coordination. The focus should remain on correct technique rather than on load volume [7, с. 94].

3.2. Games and Relays

Integrating strength exercises into games enhances motivation and emotional involvement. Relay races with physical tasks (pulling, pushing, carrying) increase intensity while maintaining a playful format suitable for children aged 7–12 [3, с. 41].

3.3. Progressive Load Principles

Gradual increases in resistance, volume, and complexity are necessary as students mature. For adolescents (13–15 years), introducing resistance training using light weights, machines, or partner exercises becomes appropriate, provided supervision and strict adherence to form are ensured [4, с. 32].

4. Results and Discussion

Numerous studies confirm that consistent strength training in physical education classes leads to measurable improvements in posture, injury resistance, and general fitness among schoolchildren [2, с. 81]. Strength training also enhances performance in other motor skills such as jumping, sprinting, and coordination-based tasks. Experimental programs involving twice-weekly strength-focused PE sessions resulted in:

15–20% increases in static and dynamic strength (handgrip, squats);

Reduced fatigue during aerobic activities;

Improved motivation and self-confidence among participants [6, с. 99].

It is critical that programs are well-balanced: excessive strength loading may harm skeletal growth if misapplied, while insufficient load reduces adaptive effects [8, с. 121].

5. Conclusion

The development of strength abilities in schoolchildren is a key factor in their physical, motor, and psychological growth. Properly designed strength training improves not only muscular capacity but also posture, injury resistance, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. To ensure safety and efficiency, strength exercises must correspond to children’s biological age, functional readiness, and psychological maturity. Programs should focus on technique, progressive load, and engagement through play and variation.

Incorporating structured strength development into the school physical education curriculum allows for the comprehensive formation of students’ physical potential and supports their lifelong health and activity habits.

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