Efficiency of training 8 - 12 - year - old girls swimmers applying Pilates training programmes

Object of the work: the alternation of the physical indices of 8 -12 year-old girls applying Pilates programme. Problem of the research: there is a lack of research on the advantages of the Pilates workout programme for young swimmers. Aim of the research – to examine the efficiency of training 8-12 year-old-girls applying different training programmes. Tasks: 1. To determine the indices of physical development and physical preparation of girls swimmers; 2. To determine the indices of specific preparation of girls swimmers in different age groups; 3. To examine the influence of an 8-week Pilates exercise programme on the preparation indices of girls swimmers. Hypothesis – an 8-week Pilates exercise programme will make a significant influence on the athletic and technical preparation of girls swimmers. Conclusions: 1. The results of the research prove that the indices of physical development and physical preparation of the 9-12 year-old girls swimmers under the examination are rapidly increasing due to a natural influence of growing up and maturation. The results of the girlsʼ height, weight, BMI (body mass index) and VC (vital capacity) show a statistically significant difference in various age groups (p<0,05). A statistically significant change of the indices of physical preparation has been noticeable in both groups when evaluating the balance (a flamingo test) (p<0,05) and the hold-up of the waist in a level position face down (p<0,05). . The change in the results of other indices was insignificant. The indices of physical development of K1 and K2 girl groups have also showed a minor change. 2. An 8-week training experiment of the combination of swimming training and Pilates exercise programme has proved a non-significant alternation in the indices of the physical 5 development of E1 and E2 girl groupsStatistically significant data are not present. The tendencies of the increase in the results have been noticeable, however. 3. The indices of the ones who did not take part in the Pilates programme have remained statistically constant. Hence, it may be deduced that an 8-week Pilates exercise programme makes a positive impact on 8-10 and 12 year-old girls. 3.1 The analysis of the indices of the specific preparation of girls swimmers has showed that a statistically significant change was noticed in the results of a turning part and propulsion only (p<0,05). 3.2 Significant differences have been figured out in the groups of younger and senior girls when doing the following tests and exercises: sit/lie down in 30s, holding up the waist in a level position face down, long standing jump and a shuttle run (p<0,05). 3.3 The results of the specific preparation of the experimental groups have outlined the following statistically significant data in both groups: the results of a 25m backstroke (p<0,05), 50m backstroke (p<0,05), propulsion (p<0,05) and turning (p<0,05). Due to the application of the Pilates training method all the indices of physical development, physical preparation and specific preparation have improved. The majority of them were significantly meaningful (p