COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL AND FUNCTIONAL FITNESS IN FIRST AND SECOND-YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FROM THE GENERAL EXERCISE GROUP

Abstract

Aim: to conduct a comparative assessment of physical development and functional fitness levels among female students participating in general exercise groups. Materials and methods. The study included 205 female students, comprising 109 first-year and 96 second-year students aged between 18 and 20 years. The following parameters of physical development and functional fitness were assessed: body mass index (BMI), visual-motor reaction, motor coordination, physical work capacity (PWC170), flexibility (standing forward bend), arm strength (push-ups), and abdominal strength (sit-ups). The data is presented as arithmetic mean values and standard deviations. Data analysis was conducted using the Excel software. Results. The data obtained demonstrates satisfactory BMI levels among first- and second-year female students. Regarding visual-motor reaction, first-year students' scores were at the average level, while those of second-year students were approximately 6.8% lower. Motor coordination was deemed satisfactory in both groups, as was flexibility. In both first- and second-year female students, the shoulder girdle muscles exhibited performance levels above average. The abdominal muscles showed performance levels below the average by 17.81 and 16.71 times in first- and second-year students, respectively. However, the PWC170 test demonstrated satisfactory functional development in both groups of female students. Conclusion. In summary, the test results indicate that female students across both years of study have demonstrated satisfactory functional and physical development. However, there is a noticeable trend of declining performance among second-year students. To address this issue, it is recommended to revise the university’s physical education program.