MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM AND FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES OF 6TH-9TH GRADE STUDENTS: PEDAGOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The period of middle school education, encompassing students in the sixth through ninth grades (typically ages 11 to 15), represents a critical and highly sensitive phase of human ontogenesis. This stage is defined by profound neuroendocrine restructuring and the heterochronous development of various biological systems. This article investigates the specific morphological changes occurring within the musculoskeletal system and the corresponding shifts in the functional capabilities of the cardiorespiratory and autonomic nervous systems during early to mid-adolescence. By synthesizing contemporary data from sports physiology and pedagogical dissertations, this study highlights the distinct disparities between rapid skeletal elongation and the lagging maturation of muscular strength and vascular capacity. The findings underscore the specific physiological vulnerabilities of this age cohort, particularly concerning postural deformities and cardiovascular stress under improper physical loads. The research advocates for a scientifically grounded pedagogical approach in physical education that prioritizes dynamic coordination, spinal stabilization, and carefully moderated conditioning to ensure optimal morphofunctional development.