COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOMETRIC AND SOMATIC INDICATORS IN CHILDREN PLAYING CHESS AND STUDYING ACCORDING TO THE GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Аннотация

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of anthropometric and somatic indicators in children aged 7 to 11 years who are systematically engaged in chess, and their peers studying under the standard general education curriculum. The study included 250 children, comprising 190 chess players and 60 general school students (control group). Assessments were conducted according to WHO standards, based on measurements of height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). Statistically significant differences were found in the structure of physical development and the prevalence of deviations from normative values. It was revealed that children engaged in chess demonstrate specific physical development features, including a tendency toward lower height and body weight, as well as a higher frequency of overweight conditions, particularly among girls. The findings highlight the importance of considering physical health status in the organization of intellectual activities in children.