Dynamics of indicators of cadets’ physical and psycho-emotional state in the process of engagement in sports games

Abstract

The aim of the article is to investigate the impact of sports games (football) on indicators of cadets’ physical and psycho-emotional state during their studying at a higher military educational institution (HMEI). The research was conducted at the Military Institute of Tank Troops of the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” (Kharkiv) in 2022-2023. 85 male cadets who studied in the third year took part in the research. Two groups were formed: the experimental group (EG, n=42), whose cadets played football during sports and mass work (SMW), and the control group (CG, n=43), whose cadets practiced according to the traditional method of SMW. The number of hours for physical training per week for EG and CG cadets was the same. The physical state of the cadets was assessed by such indexes as body mass, vital, strength, Robinson, heart rate recovery time after a standard load. The psycho-emotional state of the cadets was assessed using the WAM methodology (well-being, activity, mood). At the end of the experiment, better indicators of physical state were found in EG compared to CG. At the same time, while studying at the HMEI, the improvement of all studied indicators is more pronounced in the EG than in the CG. The best level of psycho-emotional state in cadets of both groups was found at the end of the experiment, however, it was better in EG than in CG. It was established that sports games, in particular football, during military training had a positive effect on the physical and psycho-emotional state of cadets, and also contributed to the cohesion of military units. Significant changes were found in the indicators of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of the EG cadets. A high level of indicators of cadets’ physical and psycho-emotional state will contribute to the improvement of their success in mastering academic disciplines during their studying at the HMEI, which will ensure the effectiveness of their professional and combat activities in the future.