EFFECTIVENESS OF A PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR FEMALE CADETS USING BOXING AS A FACTOR OF LIFE SAFETY

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a boxing-based physical training program in improving the physical fitness of female cadets of a sergeant-level military college. Methods. The study involved 40 female cadets aged 18–20 years, who were divided into a control group (CG, n = 20) and an experimental group (EG, n = 20). The program lasted throughout the first year of study and included training sessions three times per week using boxing tools. Physical fitness was assessed using a comprehensive test battery, including a 100 m sprint, Cooper test (12 min), push-ups, sit-ups, one-minute squats, standing long jump, grenade throw, sit-and-reach test, plank, and reaction to a light signal. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, and Cohen's d effect size. Results. The results demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the experimental group compared with the control group across most indicators (p < 0.01). The largest improvements were observed in endurance (Cooper test), explosive strength (long jump and grenade throw), and reaction speed. Cohen's d values ranged from 0.8 to 3.0, indicating large to very large practical effects of the training program. Conclusions. The findings confirm that boxing is an effective training tool for developing key physical and psychomotor qualities of female cadets. The proposed program significantly enhances endurance, strength, coordination, and reaction abilities and can be recommended for integration into the physical training system of military educational institutions.