Improving the morphofunctional state of female students from different health groups through strength athletics during the academic year

Abstract

Developing innovative methods for university students' physical education is a key focus for physical education specialists. Purpose. The objective of this study is to enhance physical education methods by incorporating elements of strength athletics, aiming to improve the physical condition and functional reserves of girls with somatic health disorders. Materials and methods. The improved methods were tested at a technical university in Irkutsk, Russia, involving 65 female students aged 17.6 ± 0.5 years. The participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 30) and an experimental group (EG, n = 35). Both groups attended physical education classes twice a week for 90 min. For the EG participants, the main portion of each session included 35–40 min of strength athletics exercises. The training incorporated various exercise machines and equipment, including dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls, and skipping ropes. Additionally, exercises on apparatus such as wall bars, gymnastic benches, parallel bars, and horizontal bars were used, along with bodyweight exercises. A comprehensive assessment of functional indicators, physical performance, and motor skill development was performed using motor tests. Results. At the end of the academic year, positive results in the physical education of female students were observed in both groups. These results were reflected in improved functional reserves of the cardiorespiratory system, strength, physical performance, and motor skills. However, the EG, which used strength athletics, demonstrated the most significant improvements in functional indicators, physical performance, and physical fitness compared to the CG. Conclusions. The testing of the innovative methodology incorporating strength athletics into the physical education of girls with somatic diseases demonstrated its high effectiveness. These results support its recommendation for implementation in other educational institutions.