Children and Women in Sports - Unit 2 (Class 12
Physical Education)
1. Introduction & Importance
This unit focuses on understanding the physical, psychological, and social development of children
and women through sports. It highlights postural deformities, their correction, and special
considerations for female athletes. 2. Motor Development in Children
Motor development refers to the progressive acquisition of skills involving muscle activity. It
includes both gross motor skills (large muscles, e.g., running, jumping) and fine motor skills (small
muscles, e.g., writing, buttoning).
Stages of Motor Development: - Infancy (0–2 years): Basic reflexes and coordination. - Early
childhood (2–6 years): Fundamental movements. - Middle childhood (7–10 years): Refinement of
skills. - Late childhood (11–12 years): Skill specialization.
Factors Affecting Motor Development: Heredity, environment, nutrition, gender, physical activity,
and opportunities for practice. 3. WHO Exercise Guidelines for Different Age Groups
- Children (5–17 years): At least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. -
Adults (18–64 years): 150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity per
week. - Older adults (65+): Include balance and strength training 3+ times weekly.
Physical activity improves bone health, fitness, heart function, and reduces anxiety. 4. Common
Postural Deformities & Corrective Measures
- Knock Knees: Knees touch, ankles apart. Correction: Side walking, pillow between knees
exercise.
- Bow Legs: Legs curve outward. Correction: Cycling, stretching inner thighs.
- Flat Foot: Loss of arch. Correction: Toe-raising, walking on sand.
- Round Shoulders: Shoulders bent forward. Correction: Back extension exercises, wall press.
- Lordosis: Excessive inward curve of spine. Correction: Sit-ups, stretching lower back.
- Kyphosis: Humpback curvature. Correction: Shoulder blade squeeze, yoga poses.
- Scoliosis: Sideward curvature of spine. Correction: Swimming, spine-straightening stretches. 5.
Women’s Participation in Sports
Benefits:
- Physical: Increases strength, flexibility, and bone density.
- Psychological: Builds confidence, reduces stress, improves mood.
- Social: Promotes equality, leadership, and teamwork.
Barriers: Social restrictions, lack of facilities, gender bias, safety issues.
Remedies: Awareness programs, equal opportunities, female coaching staff, safety support. 6.
Special Considerations for Female Athletes
Menarche: First menstrual cycle; irregularity may affect performance.
Menstrual Dysfunction: Includes amenorrhea (absence of periods) and dysmenorrhea (painful
periods).
Female Athlete Triad: 1. Eating Disorders (low energy intake) 2. Amenorrhea (loss of
menstruation) 3. Osteoporosis (weak bones due to calcium loss)
Proper nutrition, rest, and medical care are essential. 7. Important Questions & Revision Tips
- Define motor development and its stages.
- List WHO exercise recommendations.
- Name and correct any three postural deformities.
- Explain the components of the Female Athlete Triad.
Tips: Revise diagrams, practice previous year questions (PYQs), and learn corrective exercises by
examples.
