The Effect of a One-Semester Physical Education and Sports Course on University Students’ Physical Fitness, Performance and Health Parameters
Özet
This study aimed to examine the changes in physical and performance parameters of university students who participated in a one-semester (4-month) physical education and sports course.
The research was conducted using a pretest and posttest experimental design. The participants consisted of 444 students studying at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, including 286 females (mean age: 19.02 ± 0.91 years) and 158 males (mean age: 19.26 ± 0.95 years). Measurements included body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), standing long jump, flexibility, agility, sit-up (abdominal muscular endurance), and anaerobic power tests. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25. Independent samples t test was used for gender comparisons, and paired samples t test was applied to determine pretest and posttest differences. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
The mean ages of participants were similar (females: 19.02 ± 0.91; males: 19.26 ± 0.95), while males had significantly greater height averages (p < 0.001). After the four-month period, both genders showed an increase in body weight and BMI values (p < 0.001). Substantial improvements were observed in agility, sit-up, and anaerobic power variables, whereas moderate progress was noted in flexibility. Standing long jump performance increased among females but showed a slight decline in males.
Participation in the physical education and sports course resulted in significant short-term improvements in students’ physical fitness levels. The most pronounced enhancements were found in agility, abdominal muscular endurance, and anaerobic power. These findings highlight the essential role of curriculum-based regular exercise in maintaining and improving the physical performance of young adults.
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