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Theory and Practice of Physical Culture and Sports

Article

The role of fitness programmes in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases among pupils in general secondary education institutions

Nataliia Hrebyniuk, Lyubov Taranets
Retrieved from Vol. 4, No. 2, 2025 Pages 41–53
Received
10.07.2025
Revised
26.11.2025
Accepted
24.12.2025
Views
197

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of a school fitness programme on the functional indicators of the cardiovascular system of pupils in general secondary education institutions. The study was conducted at Uman Lyceum No. 3 (Ukraine) from 31 March to 25 May 2025 and involved the implementation of an eight-week fitness programme with sequential measurements of pupils’ cardiovascular system indicators to assess its effectiveness. It was found that the resting heart rate decreased from 84.6 ± 6.8 to 76.1 ± 6.2 beats per minute (-10%), indicating an increase in parasympathetic regulation. Systolic pressure decreased from 114.2 ± 8.5 to 110.4 ± 7.9 mm Hg (-3.3%), and diastolic pressure decreased from 72.8 ± 6.9 to 70.2 ± 6.4 mm Hg (-3.6%), indicating a decrease in peripheral resistance. At the same time, stroke volume increased from 70.4 ± 12.2 to 78.5 ± 11.8 ml (+11.5%), reflecting an improvement in the pumping function of the heart. A significant decrease in integral indicators was observed: the Robinson index decreased from 96.0 to 83.6 conventional units (-13%), the Ruffier index decreased from 10.8 to 8.6 conventional units (-20.4%), the functional change index from 2.87 to 2.41 conventional units (-16%) and the endurance coefficient from 20.7 to 17.4 conventional units (-15.9%) – indicated an increase in adaptive reserves and the effectiveness of cardiovascular system regulation. The data obtained confirmed that the eight-week fitness programme ensured the formation of stable aerobic adaptation, improvement of frequency and haemodynamic parameters, and an increase in cardiorespiratory reserves, which reduces the risk of early cardiovascular disorders. The results can be used by physical education teachers, school medical workers, and physical therapy specialists to develop and implement effective fitness programmes aimed at strengthening the cardiovascular health of children and adolescents in educational institutions

Keywords

cardiorespiratory adaptations; endurance; haemodynamic parameters; blood pressure; aerobic performance; adolescents; secondary school

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Suggested citation

Hrebyniuk, N., & Taranets, L. (2025). The role of fitness programmes in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases among pupils in general secondary education institutions. Theory and Practice of Physical Culture and Sports, 4(2), 41-53. https://doi.org/10.69587/tppcs/2.2025.41