Monitoring Physical Fitness of Adults in the Process of Health-Oriented Physical Activity

Abstract

Abstract. Objective. The modern system of physical education for the adult population necessitates a shift from generalized approaches to individualized, health-oriented strategies. A key component of this transition is the systematic monitoring of physical fitness. Without an objective assessment of endurance, strength, flexibility, and other motor abilities, it is impossible to ensure training safety and to match physical loads to the body's functional state adequately. The objective of this study was to identify specific features of physical fitness monitoring in adults participating in health-oriented physical activity programs, to enhance their effectiveness. Methods. The study employed analysis and synthesis of specialized scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical testing, a confirmatory pedagogical experiment, and statistical data processing methods. Physical fitness was assessed using tests and standards approved by the Order of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine dated October 4, 2018, No. 4607. The participants included men aged 31–35 years (n = 16) and 36–40 years (n = 21). Results. Analysis of baseline data in men aged 31–35 years revealed a predominance of low and moderate levels of physical fitness, accounting for 75–81% of the sample. General endurance was identified as the most problematic component, with 50.0% of participants demonstrating a low level, indicating limited cardiorespiratory capacity. Low performance in strength (pull-ups) and explosive strength (standing long jump) tests was observed in 37.5% and 50.0% of participants, respectively. Flexibility showed the poorest results, with no participants achieving a high score and 43.8% demonstrating unsatisfactory outcomes. A relatively better situation was observed for strength endurance, where 43.8% of men showed a moderate level. In the group of men aged 36–40 years, further deterioration associated with hypodynamia was observed. According to the 3000 m running test, the proportion of individuals with a low endurance level increased to 57.2%, with no high results recorded. Shoulder girdle strength, endurance, and flexibility remained low in 38.1% and 47.6% of participants, respectively. Body mass index was identified as an essential determinant: only 9.5% of men had optimal body weight, while 38.2% were overweight, which correlated with reduced functional capacity. The generally low level of physical fitness necessitates the development of differentiated programs that emphasize energy-demanding aerobic loads and stabilization of the muscular core. The need for differentiating health-oriented physical activity programs by age subgroup was substantiated. For men aged 31–35 years, priority should be given to strengthening functional reserves through aerobic exercise and developing explosive strength. For men aged 36–40 years, the focus should shift toward correcting body weight, maintaining spinal health, and improving ligament elasticity through prolonged low-intensity exercise, static training, and stretching. Conclusions. An overall unsatisfactory level of physical fitness was identified in men of the first period of mature age. Most participants demonstrated insufficient development of key motor abilities, with general endurance and flexibility being the most significant areas of concern. These findings indicate a substantial deficit in physical activity and early manifestations of involutional changes in the musculoskeletal system. A regressive trend in physical condition was observed with the transition to the second period of mature age. Men aged 36–40 years exhibited intensified negative tendencies, including a marked decline in aerobic capacity, weakened muscular support, and a predisposition to accumulating excess body weight. This confirms the cumulative effects of hypodynamia and reduced adaptive potential of the cardiovascular system.