Physical activity as a basis of students’ health-preserving behavior: modern approaches and trends

Abstract

Topicality. The article examines the role of physical activity as a basic component of health-preserving behavior of student youth. Based on the analysis of literary sources and the results of an empirical study, current trends, factors and barriers affecting the level of physical activity of female students are identified. The purpose of the study is to study the level and dynamics of physical activity of first-year female students, identify factors affecting their participation in physical activity, and develop recommendations for improving approaches to the formation of health-preserving behavior in higher education institutions. Materials and methods of the study: analysis of scientific and medical literature, sociological methods (surveys and the Framingham method), methods of mathematical statistics. 123 first-year female students studying full-time participated in the study. The survey was conducted from October 2024 to February 2025. Using the Framingham method, the level of independent motor activity was determined, as well as the dynamics of energy expenditure in the periods October-November, December, January-February. Results of the study. More than 43 % of female students have an understanding of the concept of “physical activity”, 73 % of students believe that their level is at a sufficient level. Only 47 % of female students have a positive attitude to specially organized physical education classes. It has been established that the highest energy expenditure rates of female students occur at the beginning of the academic year (October-November, 2561.36 kcal), the lowest - during the period of semester exams and tests (December, 2143.48 kcal), since it is during this period that mental activity prevails among female students. Conclusion. Motor activity is a necessary condition for the formation of health-preserving behavior of students. The study allowed us to determine the level of physical activity of first-year female students, as well as identify key barriers that prevent its maintenance. It was found that the majority of respondents have a low or unstable level of physical activity.