Methodological approaches to developing speed-strength abilities in primary schoolchildren with mental retardation in physical education classes

The purpose of the study was to theoretically justify and experimentally test the effectiveness of methodological approaches to developing speed-strength abilities in younger schoolchildren with delayed mental development in the context of physical education lessons. Research methods and organization. The study employed methods of pedagogical observation, testing, pedagogical experimentation, and mathematical-statistical data analysis. The experimental work was organized at a general education school with the participation of students aged 8–9 years with delayed mental development. During the experiment, a set of speed-strength-oriented exercises, utilizing game-based, interval, and variable methods, as well as regulation of volume and intensity of load, was purposefully introduced into the physical education lessons of the experimental group. Research results and conclusions. The results obtained demonstrated a significant improvement in the speed-strength readiness of students in the experimental group in most of the control tests compared to the control group. The effectiveness of the proposed methodological approaches has been proven, indicating the advisability of their application in the practice of physical education for younger schoolchildren with delayed mental development.