CHANGES IN ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICATORS OF FEMALE POWERLIFTERS AGED 12–14 UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TRAINING AND COMPETITIVE LOADS WITHIN THE YOUTH SPORTS SCHOOL PROGRAM

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the specific features of changes in anthropometric indicators of female powerlifters aged 12–14 under the influence of systematic training and competitive loads within the Youth Sports School program at the stage of initial training. The study involved 30 female athletes who trained according to the classical powerlifting program at the Municipal Youth Sports School of Poltava and the Municipal Comprehensive Youth Sports School of Kamianets-Podilskyi. Examinations were conducted at the ages of 12, 13, and 14 under standardized conditions using morphometric methods. The following parameters were assessed: body mass, body height, upper and lower limb length, chest circumference (at inhalation and exhalation), waist circumference, and thigh circumference. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric methods with Student’s t-test (p<0.05–0.01). The results demonstrated a consistent age- and training-related dynamic in most indicators. Body mass increased from 50.4±2.5 kg to 59.2±2.2 kg (t₁,₃=2.64; p<0.05), and body height from 152.6±2.5 cm to 162.8±3.2 cm (t₁,₃=2.51; p<0.05). Significant changes were also found in upper limb length (t₁,₃=2.28; p<0.05) and lower limb length (t₁,₃=2.43; p<0.05). Chest circumference at exhalation increased from 73.1±1.6 cm to 79.9±1.9 cm (t₁,₃=2.74; p<0.01), and at inhalation from 76.4±1.8 cm to 84.6±2.5 cm (t₁,₃=2.66; p<0.05). Thigh circumference increased from 48.1±1.3 cm to 51.9±1.1 cm (t₁,₃=2.23; p<0.05), whereas waist circumference did not show significant differences (p>0.05). The greatest inter-age differences were observed between 12- and 14-year-old athletes, indicating a cumulative character of morphological adaptation within the stage of initial specialization. The findings suggest that systematic strength training combined with competitive activity promotes segment-oriented hypertrophy, particularly of the shoulder girdle and lower limb muscles, creating structural prerequisites for further development of special strength. The combination of natural age-related growth and training-induced morphological changes confirms the relevance of comprehensive anthropometric monitoring for objective evaluation of training effectiveness. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the obtained data to adjust training loads, optimize training structure, and rationally control body mass within weight categories at the early stages of long-term athletic development.