Physical activity of the university's senior students

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. To prevent hypodynamics, to evaluate the volume and level of weekly physical activity of the university's senior students. Material and methods. The study involved students (n = 244) aged 19-20 years (n = 157 - boys, n = 87 - girls). The students studied in the 4th year of the Technical University (Russia). The following parameters were investigated: physical activity (PA), the intensity of metabolic processes and motor skills. The volume of weekly physical activity was determined by a short form of the IPAQ-SF physical activity questionnaire. The level of physical activity intensity was determined by the formula of a metabolic equivalent of task (MET) (min/week). According to MET, students are divided into three groups: 1st group with a high level; 2nd group with average level; 3rd group with low level. The battery of motor tests used to evaluate students' physical preparedness. Results. The total intensive and non-intensive weekly motor activity of boys was 6.2 hours (372 min). This confirms with the standard volume (6 hours) recommended by WHO. The total motor activity of the girls (intense and non-intense) was 4.5 hours (271.6 min) per week. More than a quarter of the surveyed boys had a high level of physical activity. About 62% of students had an average level and 12.7% had a low level. Among all surveyed girls 16.1% have a high level of physical activity, 41.4% had an average level and 42.5% had a low level. The results of boys with a low level of physical activity in all motor tests were lower than the results of boys with high and average levels of physical activity. The exception was the results of the Seated Forward Bend test (p <0.05). In 6 motor tests, the results of girls with a low level of physical activity were worse than the results of female students with a high level of weekly physical activity (p <0.05). There are no significant differences between the test results in girls with low and average levels of weekly physical activity.  Conclusions. After completing the course on the subject "Elective Courses in Physical Culture and Sports", the physical activity of students remains high enough. 12.7% of boys and 42.5% of girls with low levels of physical activity and MET were identified among the surveyed student population. This allows aligning them into a group at risk of developing non-communicable diseases. To reduce the hypodynamics of junior courses students at risk, it should use individually directed pedagogical technologies of physical education. In presenting the theoretical section of the subject "Physical Culture" to the senior courses students it is necessary to strengthen their motivation for independent motor activity.