Monitoring changes in the overall physical fitness of students at a sports university, using the specialization 'athletics' as an example

A high level of overall physical fitness among students in higher education institutions of physical culture and sports is an important component in the formation of professional competencies, which serves as a guarantee of their future successful professional activities. The purpose of the study is to identify the trends in the overall physical fitness of first-year students majoring in athletics in full-time education from 2020 to 2025. Research methods and organization. The study involved first-year students in full-time study during the academic years 2020/21 and 2024/25. A monitoring of overall physical fitness was conducted at the beginning and the end of the academic year, and a statistical analysis of the testing results was carried out in comparison with the standards based on a 10-point grading scale. Research results and conclusions. Trends in the changes of the overall physical fitness of students have been identified. In general, first-year students of the 2024/25 academic year surpass the fitness level of students from the 2020/21 year. However, a general deficiency in their development has been noted across several indicators. Flexibility remains a lagging physical ability for both men and women. Furthermore, the strength capabilities of men correspond only to an average level of development, while women's speed-strength abilities are somewhat behind.