Abu Ali Hussein Ibn Abdullah Ibn Sina on the classification of physical exercises and their application

Abstract

The article is devoted to the contribution of the famous philosopher, thinker, doctor and natural scientist Abu Ali Hussein Ibn Abdullah Ibn Sina (the Europeanized name Avicenna) in the theory of physical education. The article, based on the analysis of the fundamental work “Canon of Medical Science”, shows the approach of Ibn Sina to the classification of physical exercises. In his theoretical heritage, physical exercises are a means of diagnosing a person’s physical condition, a means of developing his physical strength, maintaining and improving health, and also a means of self-regulation while satisfying a person’s vital needs. The authors of the article proposed a system of criteria for the classification of physical exercises identified by Ibn Sina. According to the criterion “magnitude of physical exertion”, a block is allocated that includes “small and large”, “strong and weak”, and “sluggish” physical exercises. According to the criterion “development of certain physical qualities”, “fast”, “smooth” and “light” physical exercises are distinguished. They correspond to the modern group of speed-strength exercises. According to the anatomical characteristic, "breast exercises". “Exercises for the digestive organs”, “exercises of vision” and “exercises of hearing”, “exercises for teeth and ears” are distinguished. The characteristic of types of physical activity is given, which is the essence of each typological group of physical exercises. The article presents the requirements that Ibn Sina puts forward for the organization of physical exercises, their intensity, time, age and physical condition of a person. It is concluded that the classification of the system of physical exercises of Ibn Sina is internally interfaced with modern classifications of physical exercises. The classification is associated with his own classification and nomenclature of diseases. The description of each disease is accompanied by a recommendation on the use of physical exercises or refusal from the manifestation of physical activity.