Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System as an Objective Criterion for Assessing the Physical Development of Young Athletes

Abstract

Abstract: The intensive development of the body of primary school children causes dynamic changes in the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system (MSS). Changes in body proportions, the development of the neuromuscular system, and the formation of MSS biomechanics are key factors that must be considered in the training process. The aim of the study is to synthesize and analyze current scientific data to generalize the biomechanical indicators that can serve as effective indicators of the physical development of young athletes. Methods. The following theoretical methods were used: analysis, synthesis, and generalization; systematization and classification; comparison and analogy; historical and logical methods; abstraction and idealization. Results. Currently, there is a broad consensus within the scientific community regarding the significant prevalence of biomechanical dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system among young athletes and their link to an increased risk of injury. The scientific community is unanimous in emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and correction of these biomechanical impairments in young athletes. Specifically, experts emphasize the need to assess the shock-absorbing properties of the foot for the subsequent development of effective therapeutic methods. An analysis of the biomechanical properties of the foot, conducted by specialists, proves that sports training has a significant impact on the musculoskeletal system of young athletes. The studies emphasize that the foot is a key element in maintaining body balance, distributing impact loads, and stabilizing movements. The authors stress the importance of adapting training programs to account for the gender and age-related characteristics of athletes' physical development. Despite the revolutionary changes in the principles of diagnosing early functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the algorithms for their correction, which became possible thanks to extensive research, particularly based on the theories of biomechanics and pathobiomechanics, the scientific community remains unanimous in its view of the significance of using modern hardware systems for assessing the biomechanics of posture and the foot. Conclusions. Biomechanical impairments of the musculoskeletal system in young athletes have a significant negative impact on the effectiveness of the training process. These biomechanical dysfunctions reduce the functional reserves of the body's most important systems, which, in turn, limits the adaptive capabilities of young athletes to increasing physical loads. In particular, impaired foot biomechanics can negatively affect body balance and trigger the development of compensatory mechanisms that overload the entire MSS.