The Educational Role of Athletics in Physical Education: Effects on the Physical and Motor Development of Lower Secondary Students (Part I)

This paper explores the effects of a structured athletics-based physical education program on the physical development of secondary school students. The experimental intervention was implemented throughout the 2023–2024 academic year in two urban schools and involved integrating age-appropriate running, jumping, and throwing exercises into regular physical education classes. Sixty students aged 11–12 were assigned to experimental and control groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group. Key anthropometric indicators included a +1.8 cm increase in height (t = 13.80; p < 0.0005), a +1.06 kg gain in body weight (t = 6.72; p < 0.0005), and a +1.38 unit enhancement in thoracic elasticity (t = 15.83; p < 0.0005). These findings demonstrate the formative impact of athletics content on somatic growth, postural development, and respiratory function during preadolescence. The results validate the inclusion of athletics-based activities in the physical education curriculum as an effective means to support students’ physical development, without emphasizing competitive performance.