Effects of Martial Arts Training and Traditional Physical Education on the Physical Performance of Senior School Students: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Objective. To substantiate the feasibility of using martial arts in the physical education of adolescents aged 16-17 based on a comparative assessment of changes in functional fitness indicators under the conditions of the proposed and traditional forms of organizing physical education classes in general secondary education institutions. Methods. A longitudinal pedagogical experiment lasting two academic years was conducted. The study involved 32 students of grades 10-11, divided into an experimental group (n=18) and a control group (n=14). In the experimental group, martial arts (ju-jutsu) were used as a means of physical education, while the control group followed the traditional physical education curriculum. The following indicators were assessed: 30 m sprint time, standing long jump, level of psychophysiological stress, and resting heart rate. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk test, paired t-test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for related samples. Results. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive dynamics of all indicators was observed in both groups. However, the changes were more pronounced in the experimental group. The reduction in 30 m sprint time reached 7.8 % in the experimental group compared to 5.2 % in the control group. The increase in speed-strength performance was 11.6 % and 7.7 %, respectively. The level of psychophysiological stress decreased by nearly one-third in the experimental group and by 15.1 % in the control group. Resting heart rate decreased by 15.0 % and 10.9 %, respectively. These results indicate a more effective adaptation of the cardiovascular system under the influence of martial arts training. Conclusions. Martial arts training provides more pronounced improvements in physical performance and functional fitness of senior school students compared to traditional forms of physical education. The observed effects are determined by the complex impact of martial arts on motor, functional, and psychophysiological mechanisms of adaptation. The results confirm the feasibility of integrating martial arts into the variable component of physical education curricula in general secondary education institutions.