Features of physical activity of higher education students attending a sports and wellness center under martial law

Modern socio-economic and military challenges require increased attention to the health state and physical activity of higher education students, as these are crucial factors in maintaining their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to analyze the impact of attending sports and wellness centers on students’ physical activity levels and specific components of their quality of life, as well as to identify sex-related differences in these indicators. The study involved 172 students who attended a sports and wellness center with different frequency. Their level of physical activity and quality of life indicators were assessed using standard methods. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk W-test, Student’s t-test, and Spearman correlation analysis. The results showed that students who regularly attended the sports and wellness center (three or more times per week) had a 24.3% higher level of physical activity compared to those who exercised only once or twice a week (p < 0.05). Sex-related differences were also identified: on average, physical activity of male students was 9.8% higher than that of female students (p < 0.05). However, among students who attended the complex less frequently, these differences were not statistically significant. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant associations between physical activity levels and quality of life components, such as physical functioning (PF), general health (GH), and mental health (MH). Female students exhibited a greater number of correlations between physical activity and quality of life, indicating a deeper impact of physical activity on their mental-emotional state. The findings highlight the importance of regular physical activity and attending sports and wellness centers for maintaining students' health, particularly under martial law conditions.