No. 10, pp. 52–52

Received: 20.09.2026 | Published: 04.10.2026

CC BY 4.0

Keywords: adolescents, imbecility, football, motor activity, sport, physical capabilities.

Introduction. Increasing the level of physical activity through sports can positively affect physical parameters [1]. This result is achieved largely due to the stimulation of anabolic phenomena in the nervous and muscular systems [2]. In this regard, the influence of various forms of sports activities on the body of adolescents with disabilities, including those with limited mental abilities, is of interest.

Aim of the study: to trace the dynamics of physical capabilities of adolescents with imbecility who started regularly attending football training sessions.

Methods and organization of the study. 22 adolescents aged 13-14 years with a documented diagnosis of "imbecility" were observed. Of these, 12 adolescents began football training for one hour 2-3 times a week. The remaining 10 adolescents refused physical activity and continued to lead a sedentary lifestyle, forming a control group. All study participants were observed for four months. Initially and at the end of the observation, traditional functional tests were applied to all adolescents, the results of which were processed using Student's t-test.

Results of the study and their discussion. At the beginning of the observation, endurance, as well as the level of strength, speed-strength, and coordination characteristics in all adolescents, were low. Initially, all adolescents with imbecility showed insufficient accuracy in performing movements. By the end of the study, the recorded characteristics in the control group adolescents showed no dynamics: they quickly became fatigued and maintained low movement accuracy. Adolescents in the football group showed significant improvement in all indicators by the end of the observation. The trainees increased their speed-strength capabilities by 18.6%, strength characteristics by 19.6%, coordination indicators improved by 20.7%, and endurance increased by 19.0%. Against this background, their fatigue decreased while the accuracy of performed movements increased throughout the football training session.

Conclusions. Systematic classes in a football section contribute to positive dynamics of general physical capabilities in adolescents with imbecility. As a result of regular football training, their strength and speed abilities increase, and coordination parameters are optimized. Refusal of physical activity in the form of sports keeps the physical parameters of adolescents with imbecility at an initially low level.

References

1. Petina E.Sh., Zavalishina S.Yu., Zuev S.N., Orekhov A.A. Pokazateli fizicheskogo razvitiya tretekursnikov, uvlekayushchikhsya futbolom [Indicators of physical development of third-year students fond of football]. Pedagogiko-psikhologicheskie i mediko-biologicheskie problemy fizicheskoy kultury i sporta. 2025. Vol. 20. No. 2. P. 310-314.