PHYSICAL FITNESS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract. The study aimed to determine the impact of extracurricular non-professional sports activities on the physical fitness, general physical work capacity, and aerobic capacity of physiotherapy students. Materials and Methods. The sample consisted of students from the Faculty of Therapy and Rehabilitation aged 17–18, divided into groups based on gender and physical activity level (PAL). Students with low PAL (M1 and F1) performed physical activities within the limits of the academic curriculum. Students with moderate PAL (M2 and F2 groups) engaged in additional non-professional training sessions, up to 5 hours per week, for at least 30 minutes daily, in addition to the academic program. Group composition: M1 — 44 male students; M2 — 19 male students; F1 — 27 female students; F2 — 12 female students. Physical fitness was assessed using a set of tests for speed, strength, and flexibility; general physical working capacity was evaluated using the PWC170 test, and aerobic capacity was determined by maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max). Results. It was found that male and female students in groups M2 and F2 outperformed their peers from groups M1 and F1 in the 100 m sprint (by 9–10 %), 30 m sprint (by 6–7 %), and long jump (by 7–10 %). Additionally, the M2 group showed higher results in the slalom run (by 8 %) and hanging/pull-ups (by 46 %) compared to the M1 group. Female students in the F2 group demonstrated slightly higher strength index values (by 12 %) than those in the F1 group. Flexibility in the sit-and-reach test, ball-throwing strength, and grip strength of the right and left hands did not differ significantly between groups. The general physical work capacity in the M2 group was 35 % higher than in M1, with VO₂ max being 14 % higher. In the F2 group, VO₂ max exceeded that of F1 by 25 %, and the PWC170 value was 42 % higher. Conclusions. Additional physical activity, lasting up to 5 hours per week, improved several physical fitness indicators in male and female students specializing in «227 Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy», including speed, explosive strength, general physical working capacity, and aerobic capabilities. An improvement in some strength indicators was also observed, as well as agility in the male students.