Physical development

Physical development reflects the processes of growth and development of the organism at certain stages of postnatal ontogenesis (individual development), when the transformation of the genotypic potential into phenotypic manifestations most clearly occurs. The peculiarities of a person’s physical development and physique largely depend on his constitution .

Physical development, along with fertility , morbidity and mortality , is one of the indicators of the level of health of the population ^[2] . The processes of physical and sexual development are interrelated and reflect the general patterns of growth and development, but at the same time substantially depend on social, economic, sanitary and hygienic and other conditions, the influence of which is largely determined by a person's age .

Under the physical development understand the ongoing biological processes. At each age stage, they are characterized by a certain complex of morphological, functional, biochemical, mental and other properties of an organism connected with and with the external environment and determined by this peculiarity of physical strength. A good level of physical development is combined with high levels of physical fitness, muscular and mental performance.

Adverse factors affecting the prenatal period and in early childhood, can disrupt the sequence of development of the organism, sometimes causing irreversible changes. Thus, environmental factors (nutritional conditions, upbringing, social, the presence of diseases, etc.) in a period of intensive growth and development of a child can have a greater effect on growth than genetic or other biological factors. ^[one]

The assessment of physical development is based on the parameters of growth, body weight, the proportions of development of individual parts of the body, as well as the degree of development of the functional abilities of his body (vital capacity of the lungs, muscular strength of the hands, etc .; muscle development and muscle tone, posture, musculoskeletal apparatus, development of the subcutaneous fat layer, tissue turgor), which depend on the differentiation and maturity of the cellular elements of organs and tissues, the functional abilities of the nervous system and the endocrine apparatus ^[3] . Historically, physical development is judged mainly by external morphological characteristics. However, the value of such data increases immeasurably in combination with data on the functional parameters of the organism. That is why for an objective assessment of physical development, morphological parameters should be considered together with indicators of the functional state ^[4]

1. Aerobic endurance is the ability to perform medium-sized work for a long time and resist fatigue. The aerobic system uses oxygen to convert carbohydrates into energy sources. During long sessions, this process also involves fats and, partly, proteins, which makes aerobic training almost ideal for losing fat.
2. Speed endurance - the ability to resist fatigue in submaximal loads of speed.
3. Power endurance - the ability to resist fatigue with sufficiently long-lasting loads of power character. Strength endurance shows how muscles can create repeated efforts and for how long to maintain such activity.
4. Speed-strength endurance - the ability to perform quite a long time of strength exercises with maximum speed.
5. Flexibility - the ability of a person to perform movements with a large amplitude due to the elasticity of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Good flexibility reduces the risk of injury during exercise.
6. Quickness - the ability to quickly alternate the contraction of muscles and their relaxation.
7. Dynamic muscular strength - the ability to maximize the rapid (explosive) manifestation of effort with a large burden or own body weight. When this occurs, a short-term release of energy that does not require oxygen, as such. The growth of muscle strength is often accompanied by an increase in muscle volume and density - the “building” of muscles. In addition to the aesthetic value, enlarged muscles are less susceptible to damage and contribute to weight control, because muscle tissue requires more calories than fat tissue, even during rest.
8. Dexterity is the ability to perform coordination-complex motor actions.
9. Body composition - the ratio of adipose, bone and muscle tissue of the body. This ratio, in part, shows the state of health and physical fitness, depending on weight and age. Excess fat tissue increases the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
10. Growth and weight characteristics and body proportions - these parameters characterize the size, body weight, distribution of the centers of mass of the body, body type . These parameters determine the effectiveness of certain motor actions and the “suitability” of using the body of an athlete for certain sporting achievements.
11. An important indicator of the physical development of a person is posture - a complex morpho-functional characteristic of the musculoskeletal system, as well as his health, an objective indicator of which are positive trends in the above indicators.

Since the concepts of “physical development” and “physical fitness” are often confused, it should be noted that physical fitness is the result of physical training achieved when performing motor actions necessary for a person to master or perform professional or sports activities.

Optimal physical fitness is called physical fitness .

Physical fitness is characterized by the level of functional capabilities of various body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular) and the development of basic physical qualities (strength, endurance, speed, agility, flexibility). The assessment of the level of physical fitness is carried out according to the results shown in special control exercises (tests) for strength, endurance, etc. The set and content of tests should be different for age, gender, professional affiliation, and also depending on the physical fitness program used. and its goals.

Human performance is the ability of a person to perform a given function with a certain efficiency.

• Physical development - an article from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia .
• The electronic version “Karpman VL - Sports medicine. Textbook for institutes of physical culture.