Dynamics of the development of physical fitness components in students during the implementation of a technology for engagement in health-enhancing recreational physical activity within a university sports club

Abstract

Abstract. Introduction. In the context of the ongoing transformation of the higher education system, the issue of maintaining and improving students’ health and increasing their level of physical activity has become particularly relevant. Under these conditions, the implementation of modern organizational and methodological approaches aimed at engaging university students in regular physical activity is of great importance, especially within university sports clubs. Purpose. To determine the dynamics of the development of physical fitness components in higher education students during the implementation of a technology designed to engage student youth in health-enhancing recreational physical activity within a university sports club. Methods. The study involved 172 higher education students (84 males and 88 females). The level of physical fitness was assessed using a battery of tests aimed at evaluating the main components of physical fitness: speed, agility, speed-strength abilities (explosive power), endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods: the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples and the McNemar test to assess changes in the distribution of students across fitness levels and the regularity of participation in physical activity sessions. Results. The implementation of the technology for engaging students in health-enhancing recreational physical activity resulted in statistically significant improvements in all studied components of physical fitness in both males and females (p < 0.001). In male students, the greatest improvement was observed in speed-strength abilities (14.3 points), whereas female students demonstrated the most pronounced changes in speed, agility, and flexibility (8.5–8.7 points). At the same time, the improvement in physical fitness components among female students was more evenly distributed, while male students showed a more pronounced increase in speed-strength performance. The smallest improvement was observed in muscular strength (4.9 points in males and 5.0 points in females). Analysis of the distribution across fitness levels revealed a substantial increase in the proportion of students with good and high levels of physical fitness and a corresponding decrease in the number of individuals with a satisfactory level. The most notable positive changes were observed in agility and flexibility, particularly among female students. In addition, a statistically significant increase in the regularity of participation in physical activity sessions was found (χ² = 60.01; p < 0.001), indicating a strong motivational effect of the proposed technology. Conclusions. The results confirm the effectiveness of the technology for engaging university students in health-enhancing recreational physical activity within a university sports club. Its implementation contributes to significant improvements in the main components of students’ physical fitness, increases their overall fitness level, and enhances motivation for regular participation in physical activity.