Physical fitness of young Greco-Roman athletes under the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The physical training of young athletes is the basis for future success in competitions. Its effectiveness depends on many factors, among which safe conditions for life support stand out. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are significant restrictions on the training of young athletes. The aim of the study is the physical training of young Greco-Roman wrestlers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and Methods. The study involved young athletes (boys, n=20, age 5-7 years (Kharkiv, Ukraine). The experimental group of initial training (n=10) consisted of young athletes of the first year of study (children's sports school). The control group (n=10) consisted of children in the first year of primary school education. The study was conducted for 12 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of the study, a final testing of the level of physical fitness of boys was carried out. Tests were used to determine strength abilities, speed-strength abilities, coordination readiness and flexibility development. The  study included  all  students whose  parents agreed to participate in the study. This study was conducted by the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of University.

Results. Positive changes in the experimental group were observed in tests characterizing the level of development of coordination abilities. During repeated testing, the experimental group was much better oriented in space when performing three rolls. This was manifested in a reduction in the time of their implementation (t=4.091; р˂0.001) and a longer balance in static conditions (t=4.11; р˂0.01). In tests for the manifestation of strength and coordination abilities, there is a tendency to positive changes. However, there was no confirmation of a likely difference between pre-test and post-test (p>0.05). In tests for flexibility, the result remained almost unchanged and even deteriorated slightly. There were very slight positive changes in other studied indicators.

Conclusions. For the formation of basic physical fitness, it is effective to provide a greater variety of training means and to maximize the focus on the game method of training. The process of training wrestlers of this age should be directed mainly to the development of coordination abilities.