Assessment of the effects of low-intensity external resistance exercises on strength indicators of schoolchildren aged 12–13 under conditions of wartime stress

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Under conditions of wartime stress, the daily routine and patterns of physical activity of schoolchildren undergo significant changes, creating prerequisites for a decline in physical functioning. Limited access to habitual forms of movement, prolonged stays in shelters, and disruption of the stable educational process form an environment in which the maintenance of strength qualities becomes challenging. Although various forms of physical activity are used to compensate for these adverse effects, their relative effectiveness in maintaining and developing strength in adolescents remains of practical interest. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in strength indicators of schoolchildren aged 12–13 resulting from low-intensity external resistance exercises under conditions of wartime stress.Materials and Methods. The study involved schoolchildren aged 12–13 who were assigned to an experimental group and a control group. The duration of the intervention was eight weeks, with a training frequency of three sessions per week. The program for the experimental group included low-intensity external resistance exercises performed under conditions of restricted physical activity caused by the wartime stress environment. Strength indicators were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized tests, including push-ups, squats, trunk raises, plank hold, and standing long jump. Statistical data processing was carried out using comparative analysis methods within and between groups.Results. Following the eight-week intervention, students in the experimental group demonstrated improvements in strength indicators. In boys, the number of push-ups increased from 20.5 ± 7.5 to 23.0 ± 7.25, plank holding time increased from 98.5 ± 24.25 to 104.37 ± 25.62, and standing long jump performance improved from 155.0 ± 21.25 to 157.62 ± 21.03. In girls, the improvements were moderate: the number of push-ups increased from 16.0 ± 1.2 to 17.2 ± 1.84, plank holding time increased from 80.4 ± 12.48 to 82.4 ± 14.88, and standing long jump distance increased from 131.4 ± 2.32 to 132.6 ± 3.12. Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed mainly in tests reflecting strength endurance and static strength, whereas no substantial changes were identified in the control group.Conclusions. The results obtained demonstrated that low-intensity external resistance exercises can contribute to the maintenance and moderate improvement of strength indicators in schoolchildren aged 12–13 under conditions of restricted physical activity caused by the wartime stress environment. The most pronounced changes were observed in tests for strength endurance and static strength, with the dynamics of improvement differing in magnitude and nature between boys and girls. The findings highlight the practical value of dosed strength training as an accessible means of maintaining physical fitness in students under external restrictions.