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Theory and Practice of Physical Culture and Sports

Article

Dynamics of physical development and functional capacity in youth aged 17-20 under the influence of aerobics

Nataliia Chuprun, Evhenii Chorny
Retrieved from Vol. 4, No. 2, 2025 Pages 9–21
Received
18.06.2025
Revised
28.11.2025
Accepted
24.12.2025
Views
239

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of changes in indicators of physical development and functional capacity in young people resulting from the implementation of a specially designed aerobic programme. The research was conducted at Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav (Kyiv Region) over a ten-week period (3 February – 13 April 2025) and involved 40 students aged 17-21 years. The experimental design included three stages of measurement, which enabled an assessment of the dynamics of morphological and functional indicators in students under the influence of a structured aerobic training programme. The findings demonstrated a reduction in body mass by 1.1 kg, body mass index by 0.5 kg/m², waist circumference by 1.8 cm, and body fat percentage by 1.5%, indicating a decrease in central adiposity and optimisation of the somatic profile. Indicators of cardiovascular regulation also improved: resting heart rate decreased by 4.8 beats per minute, systolic blood pressure by 3.9 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mmHg, while the rate of heart rate recovery increased by 5.1 beats per minute. The Ruffier-Dixon index decreased by 3.8 points, reflecting enhanced reactivity and recovery capacity. Measures of physical fitness showed positive dynamics: the distance covered in the six-minute run increased by 154 m, standing long jump performance improved by 8.2 cm, muscular endurance increased by 4.1 repetitions, and the time for the 4×9 m shuttle run improved by 0.58 s. The set of observed changes confirms the effectiveness of the aerobic programme as a means of enhancing the overall physical capacity of students. The obtained data may be applied by physical education instructors, fitness programme trainers, specialists in sports medicine, and organisers of health-promoting activities in higher education institutions to optimise training sessions and to develop effective programmes for improving the physical fitness of young people

Keywords

waist circumference; adipose tissue; cardiovascular system; heart rate; arterial blood pressure; Ruffier-Dixon index; recovery rate

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Suggested citation

Chuprun, N., & Chorny, E. (2025). Dynamics of physical development and functional capacity in youth aged 17-20 under the influence of aerobics. Theory and Practice of Physical Culture and Sports, 4(2), 9-21. https://doi.org/10.69587/tppcs/2.2025.09