SEARCHING FOR THE “GENERATION GAP”: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONS IN FIRST-YEAR FEMALE STUDENTS IN 2011 AND 2025

Abstract

Aim. This paper compares physical development, functional status, and physical fitness in female students who entered university in 2011 and 2025. Materials and methods. Standard methods were used to compare 7 parameters of physical development, 6 of functional status, and 5 of physical fitness between female students who entered university in 2011 (n = 410) and 2025 (n = 302). Results. The comparison of physical conditions between female students who entered university in 2011 and 2025 revealed the following: physical development parameters demonstrated no statistically significant differences. However, 30% of 2025 first-year students had a body mass index (BMI) above 25. Functional status demonstrated significant differences only in diastolic blood pressure. Physical fitness comparisons showed that 2025 first-year students performed better in the standing long jump and right-hand grip strength but worse in the 2000 m run. Conclusion. This study recorded an increased number of female students with elevated BMI. This increase currently affects general body endurance and strains the cardiovascular system. Once adaptation reserves are exhausted, the risk of obesity and associated pathologies will emerge.