Adolescența activă: impactul multisistemic al activității fizice şi abordări educaționale moderne – review narativ

1. Introduction

Physical activity is a key determinant of harmonious development during childhood and adolescence, exerting complex effects on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuropsychological and metabolic systems. In a context marked by a worrying rise in sedentary behavior and the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among young people, physical education acquires a dual role: formative, by fostering motor skills and social abilities, and preventive-therapeutic, by contributing to the reduction of chronic disease risk.

Puberty represents a period of rapid transformations and high biological plasticity, during which appropriat­ely dosed motor interventions can significantly influence neuromotor performance, emotional balance and metabolic health, helping to prevent early imbalances such as insulin resistance and low-grade chronic inflammation. Moreover, the benefits of physical activity during this stage extend to cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and neurocognitive functions, underscoring its complex role in supporting adolescent health.

In this context, sports games and structured motor activities become fundamental pedagogical tools. Through their varied, engaging and competitive nature, they simultaneously stimulate the development of motor, relational and psychosocial skills, supporting both physical performance and social integration. This article aims to explore the role of physical activity in optimizing motor development and multisystem health during puberty and to provide scientific and pedagogical guidelines for the effective organization of physical education classes in the school environment.

2. Historical perspectives on physical activity in childhood and adolescence

Physical exercise and motor play have been present in children’s lives since ancient times, serving both formative and social roles. Ancient civilizations regarded physical movement not only as a means of maintaining health but also as an instrument for education and character shaping. In Ancient Greece, physical education was an integral part of a citizen’s formation, while in Ancient Rome, young people were trained to develop strength and endurance.

In traditional societies, team games or object-based activities – such as ball games – were designed to stimulate coordination, attention and a spirit of cooperation. With the Renaissance and subsequently the modern era, physical education has become formally integrated into the educational process and, by the 19^th century, organized sport was established in schools, particularly in Western Europe⁽¹⁾. Football, as an example of a team sport, experienced rapid expansion following the formalization of its rules in 1863 and became popular in Romania during the first decades of the 20^th century.

Throughout history, physical activity in childhood has evolved from spontaneous, instinctive forms to organized models adapted to psychosomatic development, with aims encompassing health maintenance, emotional balance and socialization.

3. Specific aspects of motor development during puberty

Puberty represents a critical stage in a child’s development, characterized by a series of accelerated morphofunctional changes. From the perspective of motor abilities, this period is considered optimal for shaping and consolidating the main physical qualities: speed, endurance, strength, dexterity, coordination and flexibility.

3.1. Development of speed and motor reaction

Reaction speed and motor execution speed develop rapidly during this period as a result of the accelerated maturation of the central nervous system, particularly the prefrontal cortex and motor areas. The intense process of cortical myelination, accompanied by synaptic and structural reorganizations, significantly enhances nerve impulse transmission and neuromotor coordination. A longitudinal study (Kwon et al., 2020) showed that myelination in the primary motor cortex progresses between the ages of 12 and 21, correlating with performance in rapid motor tasks⁽²⁾. Thus, motor speed – whether referring to reaction, execution, repetition, or displacement – can reach levels during adolescence comparable to those of adults. Specific speed training, performed at adequate intensity and with well-planned rest intervals, effectively stimulates the neuromuscular system without leading to overstrain if properly dosed.

3.2. Progress in endurance and aerobic capacity

Endurance, another fundamental motor quality, develops progressively during puberty, supported by the maturation of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems. Cardiac volume and lung dimensions increase proportionally with body mass, while oxygen utilization efficiency improves. Studies indicate that VO₂max (maximum aerobic capacity) increases rapidly after the onset of puberty, particularly around the ages of 12-14 years old, when biological maturation significantly influences aerobic performance⁽³⁾. Before this stage, aerobic progress is attributed more to increases in body volume than to functional adaptations. Notable gender differences are also observed: boys tend to develop greater aerobic capacity than girls, mainly due to increased muscle mass and blood volume⁽⁴⁾. Therefore, aerobic endurance experiences accelerated development during this period, although the rate and level achieved vary considerably depending on biological maturation and body composition, rather than solely on chronological age⁽⁵⁾.

3.3. Particularities of muscle strength de­velop­ment

Muscle strength development during puberty requires a gradual and carefully dosed approach, consistent with the maturation stage of the musculoskeletal system. The use of dynamic exercises with low to moderate resistance is recommended, following principles of progression and individualization. Sustained isometric contractions and exercises with heavy loads are generally contraindicated at this age, as they can cause overstrain of musculoskeletal structures that are still consolidating, particularly muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. High-intensity neuromuscular demands, such as those encountered in heavy weight training, may negatively affect not only the integrity of the musculoskeletal system but also the functional adaptations of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. However, a recent analysis published in Sports Health (2022) offers a nuanced perspective, indicating that weightlifting, when carefully supervised and properly implemented, presents a low risk of injury among children and adolescents. It can contribute to improving muscle strength and power, optimizing body composition and increasing bone mineral density⁽⁶⁾. In this context, avoiding maximal efforts and focusing on functional exercises performed in a safe environment under specialist supervision and adapted to individual biological characteristics is recommended.

3.4. The role of dexterity and motor dif­ferentiation

Dexterity represents an essential component of motor development during puberty, being crucial for acquiring and refining complex motor skills. However, this stage is marked by neurophysiological specificities that can limit the execution of fine, precisely differentiated movements. The incomplete maturation of prefrontal areas involved in inhibition and motor control reduces the ability to regulate fine movements. Premature and intense demands on dexterity through exercises involving advanced motor differentiation can lead to neuronal overstrain and functional imbalances, sometimes accompanied by psychological discomfort. These effects are explained by the insufficient consolidation of the motor skill repertoire and the instability of cortical balance between excitation and inhibition processes, characteristic of the neurofunctional development specific to puberty⁽⁷⁾.

3.5. Motor coordination and neurofunctional reorganization

Motor coordination during puberty is profoundly influenced by the progressive maturation of the central nervous system, which supports improved neuromuscular synchronization and the ability to execute complex movements. Recent research indicates that cerebral white matter, responsible for interregional cortical connectivity, continues to organize and consolidate during this stage, facilitating more efficient information transmission between motor and executive areas. These neurofunctional reorganizations, marked by improved modular segregation and integration of neuronal networks, contribute to progress in developing balance, agility, and postural control, particularly between the ages of 11 and 15 years old⁽⁸⁾.

3.6. Evolution of joint mobility and flexibility

Puberty also provides a favorable window for developing joint mobility and muscle flexibility, due to accelerated growth and remodeling of musculoskeletal tissues. A meta-analysis published in 2024 highlighted the existence of a “window of opportunity” for flexibility development between the ages of 6 and 18, with a peak efficiency during the prepubertal period (6-11 years old)⁽⁹⁾. A longitudinal study conducted on prepubertal children (9-11 years old) demonstrated that regularly integrating dynamic stretching exercises, performed three times per week for one year, prevented the loss of flexibility and did not lead to significant increases in the incidence of bone or joint pain, nor to the occurrence of obesity or muscle stiffness⁽¹⁰⁾. Nevertheless, continuing mobility exercises during puberty remains essential to maintain adequate joint range of motion and reduce the risk of injuries amid rapid growth.

4. Metabolic benefits of physical activity
in adolescence

Regular physical activity exerts a profound effect on adolescents’ metabolism, particularly in the context of excess body weight, where the risk of metabolic dysfunctions is increased. A recent meta-analysis published in 2025, which included 26 studies and a total of 984 overweight or obese adolescents, demonstrated that exercise-based interventions result in significant improvements in fundamental metabolic parameters: reductions in fasting blood glucose and basal insulin levels, decreases in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, alongside increases in HDL-cholesterol levels⁽¹¹⁾. These effects are supported by the findings of a systematic review published by Liu et al. (2024) in Frontiers in Public Health, which integrated data from 29 studies encompassing more than 2000 overweight adolescents. The authors highlighted that a program lasting at least 12 weeks, performed three times per week for a minimum of 60 minutes per session and combining aerobic exercises with resistance training, leads to significant reductions in Body Mass Index (BMI), visceral fat, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, as well as decreases in insulin resistance as measured by the HOMA-IR index⁽¹²⁾.

An additional metabolic benefit of physical activity in adolescents is the reduction of low-grade chronic inflammation, a phenomenon frequently associated with sedentary behavior, excess body weight and early metabolic dysfunctions. According to a meta-analysis published in 2024, which included 38 studies and a total of 2043 children and adolescents, exercise programs significantly reduced circulating levels of key proinflammatory markers, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These effects were more pronounced in adolescent subgroups compared to the prepubertal population. An analysis by intervention type indicated that aerobic exercise was associated with notable decreases in IL-6 and CRP levels, while interval-based programs, especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT), specifically reduced CRP. These results support the hypothesis that physical exercise, beyond its impact on body composition and traditional metabolic profiles, exerts an important immunomodulatory role, helping to mitigate systemic low-grade inflammatory processes. Reducing inflammation during this developmental stage has significant implications for preventing early metabolic complications, such as insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and the onset of subclinical atherogenesis⁽¹³⁾.

Combined exercise programs, integrating both aerobic and resistance components, have been shown to exert superior effects on the metabolic health of adolescents compared to unimodal interventions. This integrative approach allows for simultaneous improvements in cardiorespiratory capacity and muscular strength, leading to favorable changes in body composition as well as a reduction in metabolic and inflammatory risks. The efficacy of this model has been documented among overweight and obese adolescents – a group for whom the positive effects are particularly relevant from both preventive and therapeutic perspectives. For instance, in a 12-week interventional study, the implementation of a mixed program – comprising three weekly sessions of both aerobic and resistance exercises – led to significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference and body fat percentage. Concurrently, reductions were observed in fasting glucose and insulin levels, as well as significant improvements in insulin sensitivity measured by the HOMA-IR index, solely as a result of physical training, without any restrictive dietary intervention. These findings suggest that combined exercise holds intrinsic therapeutic potential for the metabolic balance of overweight adolescents. Consequently, recent international guidelines advocate for the systematic inclusion of both forms of exercise – aerobic and resistance – within physical activity regimens designed for adolescents, in order to optimize effects on metabolic parameters, reduce low-grade chronic inflammation, and improve overall physical fitness⁽¹⁴⁾.

The need for the coherent integration of physical activity into adolescents’ daily routines is consistently supported by international public health guidelines. According to recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, including both aerobic exercise and activities aimed at strengthening muscles and bones, with a frequency of at least three times per week. These guidelines reflect the current scientific consensus on the role of movement in promoting harmonious physical, metabolic, and psycho-emotional development during puberty. From an educational perspective, they provide a valuable normative framework for designing physical education lessons, suggesting that curricular content be adapted to age-specific characteristics and biological maturation stages. The practical implementation of these principles is therefore essential to maximize motor development potential and prevent disorders associated with juvenile sedentary lifestyles⁽¹⁵⁾.

5. The impact of physical activity
on systemic functions in adolescents

5.1. Effects on the musculoskeletal system and posture

Regular physical activity during adolescence plays a crucial role in the harmonious development of the musculoskeletal system and in the prevention of postural disorders. One of the most significant benefits of exercise is the stimulation of bone mass formation. Achieving optimal bone mineral density (BMD) by the end of the second decade of life is associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in adulthood. Observational studies show that physically active adolescents exhibit significantly higher BMD values in the lumbar spine and hip compared to sedentary peers, underscoring the positive impact of mechanical loading on developing bone⁽¹⁶⁾.

Muscularly, physical exercise contributes to strength­ening major muscle groups and maintaining morphofunctional balance among them. Musculoskele­tal imbalances – caused by disproportionate development of certain body segments – can affect body alignment and joint biomechanics, increasing the risk of postural dysfunctions and structural overload. Diverse physical training programs involving trunk musculature, the scapular and pelvic girdles, and major kinetic chains ensure symmetrical development and support skeletal stability.

From a postural perspective, physical activity promotes the development and maintenance of physiological spinal alignment, which is particularly relevant during the rapid growth spurts of puberty. Adequate tone of the deep trunk muscles – especially the paravertebral, abdominal, and scapular stabilizers – helps maintain normal spinal curvatures (thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis), thereby preventing the onset of postural deviations. In contrast, sedentary behavior, often associated with prolonged poor posture (e.g., extended screen time), contributes to reduced muscular tone and the emergence of spinal static disorders such as postural kyphosis. Thus, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity performed consistently serves as an effective preventive intervention against axial deviations and orthopedic conditions associated with postural imbalances⁽¹⁷⁾.

5.2. Influence of exercise on endocrine axes

Moderate physical activity favorably modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping regulate cortisol secretion and reduce stress reactivity. Active adolescents tend to exhibit more balanced basal cortisol levels compared to sedentary peers, correlating with lower psychophysiological reactivity and superior cognitive and academic performance. These effects are partially mediated by increased serotonin levels and reduced cortisol concentrations, suggesting a protective role of exercise against chronic stress and long-term endocrine and psychological risks⁽¹⁸⁾.

Physical exercise also stimulates the growth hormone (GH)–IGF-1 axis, which is essential for somatic development. Acute exercise, regardless of type (aerobic, strength training, sports games), triggers pulsatile GH secretion, with more pronounced responses observed during resistance exercises. GH has anabolic effects, promoting protein synthesis, muscle mass growth, and bone elongation. It also enhances hepatic secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a key mediator of linear growth and organ development⁽¹⁹⁾. The exercise-induced response of the GH–IGF-1 axis is dependent on pubertal stage. A recent study (2025) found that pubertal adolescents (Tanner stages III-V) exhibit a significant post-exercise increase in IGF-1, an effect absent in prepubertal children, reflecting the functional maturation of the endocrine system during periods of accelerated growth⁽²⁰⁾.

Additionally, physical exercise influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In boys, resistance exercise may help maintain testosterone levels and gonadal function, particularly by reducing the risk of obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism⁽²¹⁾. In girls, moderate exercise does not disrupt the gonadal axis; on the contrary, it may contribute to menstrual cycle regulation through improvements in metabolic health. Endocrine disturbances, such as hypothalamic amenorrhea, are rare and typically associated with elite sports, energy deficits, and low body weight rather than with the level of activity encountered in school-based physical education⁽¹⁹⁾.

Overall, physical activity provides significant endocrine benefits in both sexes during adolescence, though the mechanisms involved differ somewhat. In girls, exercise is primarily linked to improved stress responses and metabolic homeostasis, while in boys, the predominant effects include optimizing anabolic profiles through increased secretion of GH and testosterone, as well as more efficient regulation of the HPA axis.

5.3. Cardiovascular benefits of physical activity

Moderate physical activity, as typically delivered in physical education classes, has well-documented beneficial effects on cardiovascular health in adolescents. Firstly, it contributes to regulating blood pressure and preventing the early onset of hypertension. A recent meta-analysis (Tozo et al., 2025), which included 15 studies and a total of 1242 overweight adolescents, reported significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure following exercise programs averaging 12 weeks in duration. These findings emphasize the efficacy of moderate physical interventions in managing blood pressure in young individuals and highlight their potential in reducing future cardiovascular disease risk in adulthood⁽²²⁾.

Another key effect of physical activity is the improvement of endothelial function, an early marker of vascular health. A study by Talbot et al. (2024) involving 86 adolescents (aged 12-17) found that physically active youth exhibited significantly higher values of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) compared to their sedentary peers. This indicates superior vascular adaptability and increased arterial elasticity, a mechanism largely attributed to enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability, a potent vasodilator and anti-inflammatory mediator⁽²³⁾.

Maximal aerobic capacity (VO₂max), considered a critical predictor of future cardiovascular risk, significantly benefits from regular physical activity. Aerobic exercise programs lasting at least six weeks have demonstrated significant increases in VO₂max, averaging +3.1 ml/kg/min in active adolescents compared to sedentary controls, according to Talbot et al. (2024). Improvements in VO₂max reflect greater efficiency of cardiovascular and respiratory systems in supporting physical exertion and are linked to reduced cardiovascular mortality in adulthood⁽²³⁾.

From an adaptive standpoint, exercise induces beneficial functional changes in the heart and vasculature. Notably, resting bradycardia – a lower resting heart rate – is observed in trained adolescents, associated with increased vagal tone and improved myocardial efficiency. Pieles and Stuart (2020) describe mean reductions in resting heart rate of 10-15 beats per minute in trained adolescents compared to sedentary peers. Regular training also increases stroke volume and cardiac output during exercise, enhancing tissue perfusion and exercise tolerance⁽²⁴⁾.

On the vascular level, physical activity reduces sympathetic nervous system activity and increases the release of vasodilatory agents such as nitric oxide and prostaglandins, contributing to decreased systemic vascular resistance. Clinically, these mechanisms translate into lower diastolic blood pressure and improved arterial elasticity. Moreover, Tozo et al. (2025) documented a significant reduction in arterial stiffness, measured by a mean decrease of 0.42 m/s in pulse wave velocity (PWV) after 12 weeks of regular exercise, indicating an improved vascular profile and long-term cardiovascular protection⁽²²⁾.

5.4. Impact on respiratory function and pulmonary health

Regular physical activity contributes significantly to the development and maintenance of optimal respiratory function during adolescence. A recent study (2025) conducted on a cohort of adolescents aged 12 to 19 demonstrated that higher levels of physical activity are positively correlated with pulmonary function parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁)⁽²⁵⁾. Although benefits were observed with both moderate and vigorous exercise, vigorous activity was associated with the most pronounced functional improvements, underscoring the importance of actively engaging adolescents in diverse forms of physical movement.

Remarkably, these positive effects extend to adolescents with respiratory conditions, particularly bronchial asthma. Aerobic exercise programs lasting at least eight weeks resulted in significant increases in FEV₁ and FVC – by approximately 2% and 2.8%, respectively – compared to sedentary control groups, reflecting an objective clinical improvement in pulmonary function⁽²⁶⁾.

These findings are supported by an umbrella review conducted by Huang et al. (2025), which consolidated data from multiple meta-analyses on the effects of physical exercise in asthma, including among adolescents. The authors concluded that physical activity not only has a positive functional role but also exerts systemic anti-inflammatory effects, evidenced by significant reductions in interleukin-6 and TNF-a levels in active participants compared to inactive ones. These changes suggest a reduction in chronic bronchial inflammation, a crucial mechanism in improving disease control. Furthermore, regular physical exercise has been associated with increased exercise tolerance, indicating an improved capacity for exertion without the early onset of respiratory symptoms. In parallel, standardized quality-of-life questionnaires (e.g., PAQLQ) reported higher scores among adolescents participating in structured physical activity, reflecting a positive impact on the subjective dimension of the disease⁽²⁷⁾.

Supervised exercise has been shown to be safe in adolescents with mild or moderate asthma, with a low incidence of adverse events. Consistent participation in physical activity has been associated with reduced reliance on inhaled corticosteroids, indicating more effective symptom control with less pharmacologic intervention. Conversely, sedentary behavior has been linked to poorer asthma symptom control and even increased disease incidence in predisposed individuals, highlighting the real risks of unnecessary exercise exclusion. In this context, current recommendations advocate for the integration of adolescents with asthma into adapted and supervised school-based physical activities as an active part of disease management, rather than as an exception to therapy⁽²⁶⁾.

5.5. Neurocognitive and emotional effects of physical exercise

Physical activity conducted during physical education classes has demonstrable neuropsychological effects among adolescents, both cognitively and emotionally. A meta-analysis published in 2025 by Mello et al., which included 29 studies, highlighted significant improvements in executive functions – particularly cognitive flexibility, working memory and inhibitory control – following regular participation in school-based physical activity programs. The effects were more pronounced in adolescents who engaged in recurrent moderate-intensity sessions, suggesting a favorable dose-response relationship regarding cognitive performance⁽²⁸⁾. These findings are supported by a longitudinal study conducted in Portugal on a sample of 1072 adolescents (Rodrigues et al., 2024), which reported a positive association between levels of school-based physical activity and overall cognitive performance, assessed by standardized tests at the end of an academic year⁽²⁹⁾.

From a mental health perspective, recent evidence confirms the role of physical education classes in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological stress. A meta-analysis published in 2025 by Fu et al., encompassing 61 studies with over 20,000 adolescent participants, demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in overall emotional well-being following school-based physical activity interventions⁽³⁰⁾. Similarly, da Silva et al. (2025), in a randomized controlled trial involving 413 Brazilian adolescents, found that a physical activity program integrated into the school curriculum (three sessions per week for 12 weeks) reduced CES-D depression scores by 39.8% compared to the control group. Moreover, the intervention was associated with significant increases in self-confidence and social interaction, underscoring the psychosocial impact of guided physical activity in educational settings⁽³¹⁾.

In conclusion, recent scientific literature strongly supports the notion that consistent participation in physical education classes brings substantial neurocognitive and emotional benefits to adolescents through mechanisms involving both neuroplasticity activation and stress response regulation.

6. Organizing physical education classes
for pubertal students

6.1. Adapting exercises to biological specificities

Puberty is characterized by accelerated growth and hormonal changes that directly influence adolescents’ physical capacities. Differences in the pace of biological maturation lead to significant variability in functional development, even among students of the same chronological age. Therefore, experts recommend a differentiated approach in physical education classes, adapting content and student grouping based on biological stage rather than solely chronological age⁽³²⁾. For example, in boys, the growth spurt occurring around ages 13-14 is often followed by a temporary lag in muscle strength development, which can affect motor coordination. At this stage, it is essential for teachers to prioritize exercises focused on balance and coordination to compensate for the transient decline in motor control. Tailoring tasks to morphological and functional development ensures safety and effectiveness in the educational process, facilitating appropriate progress for each student.

6.2. Priorities in developing speed, skill and coordination

Speed, skill and motor coordination are fundamental abilities in youth physical training that should be developed from childhood and further consolidated during puberty. This period offers a critical window for training speed, especially in boys between approximately 13 and 16 years of age, according to the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model⁽³³⁾. Upon entering puberty, specialists recommend transitioning from basic motor drills and predetermined movement patterns to reactive agility exercises, in which students respond to unexpected stimuli⁽³⁴⁾. These exercises promote the development of neuromuscular coordination, improving reaction time and the ability to adapt motor responses in dynamic contexts.

Motor coordination remains essential throughout puberty, serving as a cornerstone of physical and cognitive maturation⁽³⁵⁾. Rapid bodily changes during prepuberty and early puberty can temporarily disrupt movement control, which is why maintaining coordination exercises (balance, rhythm, precision) and skill-based games is recommended. Systematic programs focused on developing coordination result in improved motor patterns and increased movement complexity. In practice, prioritizing coordination, speed and skill entails consistently incorporating specific segments such as sprints and relays for speed, games involving rapid directional changes for agility, and exercises for balance or synchronization to enhance coordination⁽³⁴⁾. These activities harness pubertal neuromotor adaptability and facilitate the acquisition of complex sports techniques.

6.3. Strength and endurance training appropriate for adolescence

Strength and endurance training during puberty must be designed with careful consideration of the biological specificities of this developmental stage. Current consensus in the scientific literature supports initiating strength training even in early puberty, provided key principles are respected: appropriate supervision, proper technique instruction, gradual load progression, and avoidance of maximal efforts before full maturation of the osteoarticular system⁽⁶⁾. Recommended exercises include functional movements such as squats, pull-ups, push-ups, and lunges, initially performed using body weight or light resistance (e.g., resistance bands, medicine balls), with progressive increases based on neuromotor control and postural stability.

In parallel, aerobic endurance activities – such as medium-distance running, cardio circuits, or prolonged sports games – contribute to the development of cardiovascular capacity and increased exercise tolerance. The combined integration of strength and endurance training has proven effective in school programs, demonstrating significant improvements in lean muscle mass and reductions in body fat percentage among adolescents⁽⁸⁾.

6.4. The role of sports games in motivation and socialization

Sports games and competitive play-based activities are valuable pedagogical tools in physical education classes, particularly during puberty. Their integration into lessons has been shown to increase students’ motivation and enjoyment of participation. A meta-analysis published in 2024 highlighted the significant impact of game-based programs in raising students’ satisfaction levels compared to traditional methods focused on standard drills⁽³⁶⁾.

Beyond their motivational effects, games are essential for motor development. By their varied and unpredictable nature, games continuously challenge skill adaptation, stimulating motor learning in a dynamic context. The inclusion of playful elements facilitates the acquisition of motor skills and knowledge, as students remain focused on the game’s objectives and actively engage without perceiving the repetitive nature of the physical effort. Thus, a handball or football game can simultaneously develop physical qualities (speed, skill, endurance) and psychomotor abilities (reaction speed, coordination, spatial orientation) in an integrated manner. Learning occurs in context rather than in isolation, enhancing the effective transfer of motor competencies to real game situations⁽³⁶⁾.

In summary, sports games act as a catalyst for learning through movement: they motivate students by making exercise enjoyable, develop motor skills in a complex way, and help adolescents integrate socially, fostering teamwork and communication. Their integration into physical education classes is strongly supported by scientific evidence, providing teachers with solid arguments for including these interactive methods in the curriculum.

7. Discussion

Motor development during puberty plays a fundamental role in shaping the future active, healthy, and socially integrated adult. This period is characterized by unique biological and psychological features that necessitate a differentiated pedagogical approach, tailored to the individual rhythms of maturation. The specialized literature emphasizes that rigid standardizations not aligned with biological stage can hinder motor progress and compromise the psychoemotional balance of adolescents.

Each motor quality – from speed and coordination to strength and flexibility – has an optimal developmental window during puberty. Ignoring these “windows of opportunity” or imposing inappropriate training loads may result in functional stagnation or even overuse injuries, with negative impacts on health and motivation in young people. Conversely, a balanced educational plan, based on principles of progression and variability, allows maximal exploitation of developmental potential, contributing to harmonious growth and the prevention of disorders associated with sedentary behavior.

In this context, sports games and interactive methods emerge as highly effective pedagogical solutions. Through their dynamic, competitive and engaging nature, they simultaneously stimulate motor skill acquisition, motivation for physical effort, and positive social behaviors. Moreover, they provide a natural context for transferring motor skills into functional situations – an essential aspect of learning and adaptation in youth.

Recent scientific evidence confirms the profound impact of physical activity not only on motor development but also on metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and neurocognitive health during puberty. Programs that integrate combined exercises (aerobic and resistance training), tailored to adolescents’ biological specificities and implemented in playful and motivating contexts, have demonstrated quantifiable physiological benefits – including reductions in inflammatory markers, optimization of metabolic homeostasis, and improvements in cognitive and emotional functions. These findings support the integration of physical education into primary prevention strategies and public health policies targeting youth.

A particularly important issue, with practical implications in Romania, is the frequent tendency of parents to request medical exemptions for their children from physical education classes, sometimes for minor or temporary conditions. According to the National Public Health Institute’s report (2022) and data from the Ministry of Education (2023), the proportion of students who do not consistently participate in physical education exceeds 25-30% in some counties^(37,38). This attitude partly reflects a misperception regarding the risks of physical activity, with parents and sometimes physicians believing that any health condition represents an absolute contraindication for exercise. However, current scientific literature refutes this notion, demonstrating that moderate physical activity is beneficial and safe in the majority of cases – even in children and adolescents with common chronic conditions such as bronchial asthma, early-stage hypertension, or excess weight. Adapted exercise programs have shown positive effects on respiratory function, blood pressure regulation, reduction of chronic inflammation, and improvement of emotional and cognitive status. In light of these findings, a shift in mindset is essential to reduce the unjustified recourse to medical exemptions and to promote the participation of students in physical activities tailored appropriately to their health status.

Therefore, close collaboration among educators, parents and healthcare professionals becomes crucial to transform physical education into a true tool for health promotion and primary prevention, even among children with chronic conditions. The consistent integration of physical activity into adolescents’ lives represents not only a means for motor development but also an essential pillar of public health, with multisystem benefits and long-term effects on quality of life.

8. Conclusions

Puberty represents a critical window for the development of motor skills and the shaping of behaviors associated with an active and healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity during this stage exerts multisystem benefits, contributing not only to the optimization of motor development but also to the maintenance of metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and neurocognitive health.

Recent data highlight that even among adolescents with chronic conditions such as bronchial asthma, early-stage hypertension or excess body weight, appropriately adapted physical exercise is safe and provides significant benefits, supporting the need to reduce unjustified medical exemptions. In this context, physical education should be regarded not merely as a formative discipline but as a genuine tool for primary prevention and public health promotion, requiring close collaboration among teachers, parents and healthcare professionals.

The systematic integration of physical activity into the lives of adolescents is essential for preventing chro­nic diseases and for laying the foundation for a healthy and balanced lifestyle in adulthood.   

Corresponding author: Bogdan-Aurelian Stana E-mail: bogdan.stana@gmail.com

Conflict of interest: none declared.

Financial support: none declared.

This work is permanently accessible online free of charge and published under the CC-BY licence.