Individual Factors Influencing the Development of General Physical Qualities of First-Year Cadets of Higher Military Educational Institutions

Abstract

The article examines individual factors influencing the development of general physical qualities in first-year cadets of higher military educational institutions under modern requirements for training future officers. The relevance of the study is обусловлена the need to improve the effectiveness of physical training during the adaptation period to military service, which is associated with significant psycho-emotional and physical loads. The study analyzes the role of socio-psychological, individual-biological, and educational-service factors in shaping the level of physical preparedness. Based on the analysis of scientific and methodological sources, it has been established that key influencing factors include age, gender, and prior military service experience, which determine the characteristics of the body's adaptation to physical loads. The dynamics of cadets' physical fitness indicators were studied based on the results of control exercises assessing speed, strength, and endurance over the first three months of training. It was found that, regardless of individual characteristics, all groups demonstrated positive dynamics in physical fitness levels. The study revealed that older cadets and those with prior military service experience show higher rates of improvement in strength and endurance, indicating better adaptation to physical loads. At the same time, cadets without prior service experience and female cadets demonstrate greater improvement in speed and overall physical fitness indicators. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of considering individual characteristics in organizing physical training. The necessity of applying a comprehensive and differentiated approach to planning physical training at the initial stage of education is substantiated, taking into account age, gender, professional characteristics, and adaptive capabilities of the organism. The results of the study can be used to improve the system of physical training in higher military educational institutions and to enhance the professional readiness of future officers.