COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS OF GIRLS ENGAGED IN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS
The object of the study was adolescent girls (n = 100). The main observation group included 25 girls engaged in gymnastics for more than 3 years. The second main group consisted of 25 girls of similar age engaged in rhythmic gymnastics. The comparison group included girls not engaged in sports activities (n = 50). Anthropometric indicators were evaluated during direct medical examinations and when copying from medical records. As a result of the study, the growth indices of physical development in girls engaged in sports activities were established, and comparative characteristics were compared with those of girls who were not engaged in sports. It is established that physical exertion influences the level of physical development. The girls engaged in rhythmic gymnastics have lower rates of growth and body weight than girls doing gymnastics and than girls who do neither. In sportswomen, the developmental harm is caused more often by a deficit in body weight, while in girls who do not exercise -in excess body weight. Therefore, the main areas of work with children who are engaged in sports activities are the creation of optimal conditions for this contingent of children, individually selected programs taking into account age and physical capabilities, constant monitoring of the level of physical development.