Influence of “intensity” and “volume” factors of physical load on the different aspects of physical status in children aged 5-6

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study is to establish the influence of 'intensity' and 'volume' factors on physical performance, physical fitness and acute morbidity in children aged 5-6. Materials and methods. Apparently healthy children aged 5-6 participated in the study. We formed 6 randomized experimental groups. In experimental groups we applied a set of aerobic-anaerobic exercises of various intensity and volume. We used the parameters suitable for the study of physical performance, physical fitness and acute morbidity in preschoolers. Children performed an 18-minute set of exercises during the main part of the lesson. While elaborating a set of exercises, we detected individual relative intensity of each exercise and a series of exercises by measuring maximum heart rate reserve (MHRR). The intensity and weekly volume of the load were different for various groups. We distinguished 2 grades of 'load intensity' and 3 grades of 'volume per week' factor. We used a set of exercises of average intensity 40-50 and 70-80 % MHRR with a volume of 36, 72 and 90 minutes per week. Results. The results obtained prove that changes in the physical state of 5-6-year-old children mostly depend on the intensity and volume of the load. We revealed independent and combined effects of the parameters studied on the indicators of physical performance, physical fitness and acute morbidity. We established that the effect of the abovementioned factors is unidirectional: positive adaptation changes increase as their average values improve within the range of physical performance values. However, load intensity has a more significant impact on physical performance, physical fitness and acute morbidity than its weekly volume. Conclusion. The data obtained allows us to suppose that for the improvement of physical performance, physical fitness and acute morbidity rates in 5-6-year-old preschoolers it is necessary to focus on the intensity of physical activity.