The Level of Knowledge of Contemporary Schoolchildren Regarding Independent Physical Exercise Activities

This article presents the results of a survey of middle school students regarding their level of knowledge about organizing and conducting independent physical exercise activities. The research found that, for the most part, students rate their own level of knowledge regarding independent physical exercise activities as below average (36.9%) and average (29.8%). Some students rated it as above average (14.3%) and high (13.1%), while a small number of students rated it as low (5.9%). The main gaps in theoretical training regarding load dosing, class structure, and self-monitoring have been identified. Among the surveyed students, 53.6% were able to correctly identify the structure of a physical exercise session, 28.6% of the students identified only two parts, and 17.8% of the surveyed students were unable to answer this question. It has been found that students also lack sufficient knowledge regarding load dosing. The majority of students (61.9%) are unaware of the principle of gradualism and individualization. Knowledge regarding the necessity of progressively increasing load was demonstrated by 48.8% of respondents. The students also noted a lack of knowledge regarding self-monitoring during independent physical exercise activities. 38.1% know how to measure their heart rate, and 36.9% are aware of the signs of overfatigue. As for safety rules during activities, 77.4% of students are familiar with the basic safety rules, however only 48.8% are able to apply them in a simulated situation. It has been found that middle school students have a positive attitude toward independent physical exercise activities, yet only 16.7% of those surveyed engage in it regularly on their own. Among the reasons preventing them from exercising on their own, many students cited a lack of free time (69.0%) and engaging in more interesting activities (42.8%).