Guan Maoshen
Krasnoyarsk State Pedagogical University named after V.P. Astafyev, Krasnoyarsk

Keywords: wushu, mental activity, physical performance, schoolchildren, middle grades, cognitive abilities.

Research Objective — to evaluate the impact of wushu practice on the mental activity and physical performance of schoolchildren aged 11-12.

Methodology and Research Organization. The study was conducted at a secondary school and involved 36 students aged 11-12, who were divided into two groups: experimental (EG) and control (CG). The EG participated in wushu classes three times a week for six months. The program included basic wushu exercises aimed at developing endurance, coordination, and flexibility, as well as a set of breathing and meditative practices to improve psycho-emotional state. The CG did not participate in such activities.

It was hypothesized that wushu practice could positively influence physical performance and cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and self-control.

As a result of wushu practice, significant improvements in physical performance and mental activity were observed in the EG compared to the CG. The Cooper test showed that students in the EG increased their endurance by 9.4% (p < 0.05) compared to the initial level. Tests for attention and memory (Stroop test and audiovisual memorization test) showed that reaction time in the EG improved by 11.7% (p < 0.05), while concentration and memory capacity increased by an average of 14.1% (p < 0.05). This indicates that wushu practices contribute to the improvement of cognitive abilities, which can positively affect academic performance. As for the CG, no significant improvement in test results was observed during the experiment (p > 0.05).

Conclusion. The conducted research confirms that wushu can be an effective means of enhancing physical performance and stimulating cognitive processes in middle school students. The inclusion of wushu in additional educational programs can contribute to the comprehensive development of students and create a solid foundation for their future health and academic success.

References

1. Maosen, G., Savchuk, A.N., & Yuqi, C. (2022). Stimulation of mental activity and physical performance of schoolchildren aged 8-9 through wushu. Scientific Notes of the University named after P.F. Lesgaft, 2(204), 102-108. DOI: 10.34835/issn.2308-1961.2022.2.p102-108. EDN: IIEBCH.
2. Guba, V.P., Popov, G.I., Presnyakov, V.V., & Leontyeva, M.S. (2021). Pedagogical Measurements in Sports: Methods, Analysis, and Processing of Results. Moscow: Sport. 324 p. ISBN: 978-5-907225-47-3. EDN: KSNKOR.