COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS OF FEMALE STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS

Abstract

Aim. This study aims to assess and compare the physical fitness levels of female non-athlete students across higher education institutions in the North Caucasus region to develop evidence-based phy­sical education curricula. Materials and methods. This study involved 163 first- to third-year female non-athlete students from Chechen State Pedagogical University (Grozny), Adyghe State University (Maykop), and North Caucasus Mining and Metallurgical Institute (Vladikavkaz). Physical fitness was evaluated using the Russian Ready for Labor and Defense (GTO) standards: forward bend (cm), standing long jump (cm), sit-ups (repetitions/min), and 100-meter sprint (s). Results. Initial assessments revealed that first-year female students from Adyghe State University had superior results in all four GTO tests. Comparative analysis of mean values across institutions demonstrated that Chechen State Pedagogical University students exhibited the best forward bend flexibility, Adyghe State University students had superior standing long jump and 100-meter sprint performance, while North Caucasus Mining and Metallurgical Institute students showed superior sit-up performance. Conclusion. The study demonstrated minimal inter-university variance in physical fitness levels among third-year students, suggesting effective implementation of physical education programs across the region.