Prevention of postural disorders in female university students through gymnastics

Aim. The paper aimed at developing and experimentally substantiating a method for maintaining correct posture and dealing with functional disorders through gymnastic activities based on strength and flexibility exercises. Materials and methods. The study involved female university students (n = 24, age 19.0 ± 0.63 years) with postural disorders of moderate severity (as follows from the results of the medical examination). The experiment lasted for nine months. The control (N1) and experimental (N2) groups attended 90-minute PE classes twice a week. Traditional PE classes were held in accordance with the current program of PE for a special medical group. In the experimental group, a wide set of gymnastic activities based on strength and flexibility exercises was used. During the experiment, the mobility of the spine and the strength characteristics of muscles were studied. Results. The experimental group showed improved performance compared to the baseline. In the control group, at the end of the study, significant changes were recorded only in the dynamic strength endurance of the abdominal muscles. Conclusion. The study showed positive dynamics for all values in the experimental group compared to the baseline. The data obtained proves the effectiveness of the program for maintaining correct posture and dealing with functional disorders.