Individualizing physical education for female students through somatotyping methodology

Abstract

Recognizing the principle of individualization in physical activities is paramount. However, the scientific literature lacks comprehensive analysis on the relationship between individuals' body types and their engagement in physical education, potentially limiting its efficacy. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to tailor physical education for female students with chronic somatic diseases by evaluating their somatotype, anatomical components, and motor qualities development. Material & methods. The research project was conducted among 180 female students of the Technical University in Irkutsk (Russia). The girls’ somatotype was determined according to the scheme Carter, Heath (1990). The use of calculation formulas allowed characterizing three body parameters in points: the degree of fat deposition (endomorphy), the development of the skeleton and muscle tissue (mesomorphy) and the longitudinal dimensions of the body (ectomorphy). The functional parameters of the muscular and cardiorespiratory systems were determined by conventional methods. The characteristics of physical fitness parameters were given based on the analysis of all girls’ motor testing results. Results. A significant variability of somatotypes was found among the examined girls with a predominance of meso-endomorphic (23.4%) and endo-mesomorphic (22.8%) somatotypes with high body weight, BMI and chest circumference in the population. It reduces the reserve capabilities of functional systems to perform physical activities and impairs motor abilities. The girls with meso-ectomorphic, ecto-endomorphic and endo-ectomorphic somatotypes turned out to be the most physically prepared, with high functional reserves. They are characterized by high growth, low body mass index and BMI values, and good reserves of the cardiorespiratory system, which provides them with the opportunity to perform motor tests with high results. Conclusions. When planning PE classes in groups of female students with chronic diseases, it is necessary to take into account their somatotypological characteristics. It will make it possible to individualize the educational process of physical culture and thereby increase its effectiveness.