Biomechanical aspects of postural disorders in the system of long-term training of young athletes

Abstract

Abstract: The current state of youth sports is determined by the trend toward an intensive increase in qualification requirements for athletes' competitive performance. The consequence of accelerated training intensification, early sports specialization, and the imperfection of the system for monitoring and correcting postural deviations is the growing incidence of musculoskeletal system (MSS) dysfunctions among young athletes. Biomechanical dysfunctions, which arise during the critical period of active morphogenesis, manifest as functional asymmetry of the trunk, disturbances in the static and dynamic functioning of the vertebral column, discoordination of muscle chains, and pathological movement patterns. Such structural and functional transformations negatively affect the processes of forming rational movement biomechanics, cause a reduction in the effectiveness of the training process, and create prerequisites for the chronicity of MSS pathological conditions in adulthood. Considering this, a scientifically grounded investigation into the biomechanical mechanisms of disorder formation and their correlation with the sport, age category, and qualification level is a priority task for modern sports science. Objective. The aim of the study is to determine the biomechanical characteristics of musculoskeletal system disorders in young athletes and to outline the directions for their prevention within the training process. Methods. Analysis, synthesis, and generalization; systematization and classification; comparison and analogy; historical and logical methods; abstraction and idealization. Results. The contemporary scientific discourse is rich with studies by both domestic and international authors, which highlight various aspects of the formation of biomechanical disorders in the MSS of child and youth athletes. The main reason lies in the functional mismatch between the excessive intensity of training loads and the limited adaptive capacity of the immature musculoskeletal system. The result of this disparity is the manifestation of pathological movement patterns (specifically, disturbances in the static function of the spine, muscular asymmetry, deviation of biomechanical axes), which leads to the destabilization of postural control. The current methodology for diagnosing posture is based on the active use of 2D and 3D photogrammetric systems. Despite the fact that these tools make it possible to conduct mass screening without radiation exposure, their effectiveness requires strict standardization of procedures for the identification and fixation of key anatomical landmarks. Conclusions. The onset of biomechanical MSS disorders in young athletes directly correlates with the intensification of the training process and premature sports specialization. Failure to adhere to the key sensitive phases of ontogenesis and age-related anatomical and physiological norms of the body leads to the development of functional asymmetry, postural defects, and stable spinal deformities. These structural and functional transformations significantly impede the mastery of technique, worsen indicators of sports performance, and inevitably increase the risk of sports injuries. Thus, investigating the biomechanical features of the identified disorders becomes a scientifically necessary condition for the formation of comprehensive and effective methods of prevention and correction.