The functional state of girls with high motor fitness in the conditions of digitalization

¹ Institute of Developmental Physiology, Russian Academy of Education, Laboratory of Physiology of Muscular Activity and Physical Education, Moscow, Russia
² State University of Management, Department of Physical Education, Moscow, Russia

^* Corresponding author: i.krivolapchuk@mail.ru

Abstract

The article aims at revealing the functional state of girls aged between six-seven and 10-11 years with a generally high level of key motor skills due to the intensive use of digital technologies. Experimental studies comprised practically healthy girls aged between six-seven (n>1,200 and n=60) and 10-11 years (n>1,000 and n=74). To assess the information load of children, the authors of the article determined the total screen time and the digitalization of their living conditions. The level of digitalization was studied based on a modified Informatization Index (Imod). The heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Based on these measurements, the authors calculated average pressure, the vegetative index of Kerdo, double product, the Myznikov index and changes in the functional index. They measured chest circumference, the length and weight of the body to calculate the body mass index. The battery of motor fitness tests included a 30-meter sprint, front bend, three sets of a 10-meter shuttle run, sit-ups, a long jump, a 6-minute run, PWC170. Physical activity was studied using the adapted questionnaire “Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)” and the timing of motor actions. During the intensive use of digital technologies, girls aged between six-seven and 10-11 years with a high level of motor abilities could be characterized by the most favorable functional state of their body in comparison with the same children with insufficient motor fitness. They had the hypertonicity of the parasympathetic division of the vegetative nervous system, the predominance of the autonomous regulation of the heart rate over central regulation, the expanded adaptive capabilities of the organism, harmonious physical development and high physical activity. The study results give reason to believe that an increase in the level of motor fitness of preschoolers and primary school children can have a significant effect on improving the functional state of their bodies due to the intensive use of digital technologies.