The physical fitness of higher education students under the influence of specially targeted exercises in a distance learning process

Abstract

This article presents the results of incorporating specialised exercises into the physical education curriculum, aimed at developing strength, speed, and coordination, as well as flexibility and endurance, among first-year male students at a higher education institution. At the present stage, the issue of improving the physical fitness of higher education students is of particular relevance, as it serves not only as an indicator of their physical condition but also as a key factor in fostering a healthy lifestyle, enhancing work capacity and preventing illness. The level of physical fitness determines a young person’s ability to adapt effectively to the conditions of the educational process and future professional activity. At the same time, the issue of the comprehensive development of physical qualities among higher education students in the context of distance learning remains unresolved. The purpose of the research is to study is to investigate the impact of specially selected exercises on improving the level of physical development among higher education students in the context of online learning. Мethods of the research: theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological sources, pedagogical testing, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics.

Results. The data collected prior to the experiment indicate a low level of physical fitness among all participants. Following the experiment, significant changes were observed across all measured parameters in the control group, resulting in a 1-point increase in the physical fitness score, which now corresponds to a score of 2 (below average). The most significant improvement in the results of the main group was observed in the indicators of spinal mobility, spatial orientation ability, movement coordination and rhythm in dynamic conditions, movement frequency, arm muscle strength and endurance. On average, the greatest improvement was seen in indicators of coordination development. Conclusions. The studies conducted demonstrate the positive impact of the proposed sets of specialised exercises on the level of development of key physical qualities among higher education students in a distance learning environment.