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Background and Study Aim. The issue of quality of life, physical activity, and health of students is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Daily shelling of cities and settlements for over two years may have significantly affected the quality of life of Ukrainian students. While students in Poland and Romania do not experience the direct impact of military actions, regional instability and mass migration processes may also influence their health and well-being. In this context, the aim of the study is to identify key trends and issues related to the quality of life and health of students in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. Materials and Methods. The study involved students from Ukraine (n=193), Poland (n=40), and Romania (n=215). The SF-36 questionnaire, adapted into three languages: Ukrainian, Polish, and Romanian, was used to assess quality of life. Data collection was conducted online. The results were processed using PyCharm CE and specialized Python codes with relevant libraries. Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α Cronbach's = 0.765) was used to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire responses. Factor analysis was conducted, with the number of factors (8) determined using the Kaiser criterion. The Mann-Whitney U test was used. Mean values, standard deviations, and percentage ratios were calculated. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results. Data analysis revealed significant differences in quality of life, physical activity, and health of students depending on the country and gender. Ukrainian students, affected by the ongoing conflict, showed a substantial decrease in mental health indicators. The average mental health score for Ukrainian female students was 25.42%, and for male students, it was 23.92%. This indicates high levels of stress and anxiety caused by constant threats and instability. Polish students are older than Romanian and Ukrainian students, with the highest indicators of height and weight. In Poland, women reported better mental health (58.67±15.94) compared to men (55.09±12.82). Men demonstrated better physical health indicators (50.50±6.96) compared to women (47.58±6.57). In Romania, men showed better results in the psychological health component (42.79±8.61) compared to women (39.67±8.70) and higher physical functioning scores. Conclusions. The results of the analysis highlight that the war in Ukraine significantly impacts the physical and mental health of Ukrainian students. The considerable cross-country differences in student health indicators underscore the need to consider the specific conditions and challenges faced by students in different countries. These differences are particularly important for developing targeted programs that can effectively support students in wartime conditions.

Background and Study Aim. In the context of a military conflict, students’ health is subjected to significant stress and psychological challenges. Monitoring the health condition of this vulnerable group can provide important data for developing effective support measures. The aim of this study is to assess the level of stress and health condition of students in Ukraine during the war and to compare these indicators with those of students from neighbouring countries, Poland and Romania. Materials and Methods. The study used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire to assess stress levels among students. A total of 443 students participated: 36 from Poland, 215 from Romania, and 179 from Ukraine. Factor analysis (PCA) was employed to test the validity and reliability of the PSS-10 questionnaire structure, with the number of factors determined using the Kaiser criterion. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The Python library in the PyCharm CE environment was used as the analysis tool. The Mann-Whitney test was applied for group comparisons. Correlation analysis was conducted between the overall PSS-10 score and measures of positive and negative affect. A logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of stress. Results. The results of the factor analysis showed that both factors significantly and reliably measure different aspects of stress. Cronbach's alpha values for Factor 1 (0.87) indicate high reliability, while for Factor 2 (0.79), they indicate good reliability. A correlation of 0.89 for Factor 1 indicates a very strong positive relationship between this factor and the overall level of stress. A correlation of 0.69 for Factor 2 indicates a strong positive relationship, though not as strong as Factor 1 (p=0.0000). The results confirm that the overall PSS-10 scores are closely related to both positive and negative emotional states, with a more pronounced impact on negative emotions. The highest number of students with a stress level of 2 is observed among students from Ukraine (32.65%) and Romania (35.60%), while in Poland this figure is 4.99%. Conclusions. The study showed that the military conflict in Ukraine significantly affects the psycho-emotional state of students, causing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Younger students and women were found to be particularly vulnerable. These results underscore the need to develop targeted support programs to improve the mental health of students in the context of the war.

Background and Study Aim. The progressive aging of the global population presents significant challenges, particularly in maintaining the functional reserves of vital systems. The respiratory system is crucial for sustaining physical performance. However, it is especially vulnerable to age-related decline. This study aims to assess the impact of structured physical activity on the respiratory function of sports-active veteran track-and-field athletes aged 50–59 and 60–75 years. Material and methods. A total of 93 men were examined, including 54 in the reference group (30 men with an average age of 53.67±0.25 years and 24 with an average age of 67.08±0.35 years). These men were involved in athletics in the past but did not participate in veteran sports. The study group included 29 athletics veterans. Among them, 18 individuals had an average age of 52.27±0.18 years, and 11 had an average age of 65.64±0.16 years. These athletes engage in specifically organized physical activity 2–4 times a week and have participated in athletics competitions over the last five years. Anthropometric measurements included the assessment of chest circumference at rest, maximal inspiration, maximal exhalation, and diaphragmatic excursion (DE). The functional state of the respiratory system was assessed using the SpiroCom diagnostic complex (HAI). The data were processed using the SPSS Statistics 17.0 software. Results. Sports veterans aged 50–59 years and those over 60 years exhibit statistically significant differences compared to their peers in several indicators. These include diaphragmatic excursion, tidal volume, minute volume, respiratory rate, tidal volume maximal, respiratory rate maximal, and maximal voluntary ventilation. The respiratory reserve indicator showed a lower degree of respiratory function tension during physical exertion. Statistically significantly higher values of external respiration indicators were found in veteran athletes compared to men with no regular activity (NRA). These indicators include expiratory time, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced expiratory volume maximal. Additionally, veteran athletes showed higher values in the modified Tiffeneau-Pinelli index, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75%, and forced mid-expiratory flow. As a result, sports veterans with high regular activity (RA) exhibited the lowest rates of regressive-destructive changes in the respiratory system indicators overall, with the exception of HOD and BH. In contrast, men with low RA are characterized by an accelerated rate of aging in the respiratory system. Conclusions. The results of the study identified indicators that can serve as spirographic criteria for selecting functional types. These types include individuals with low, medium, and high regular activity (RA). It has been proven that systematic exercises involving specially organized cyclic motor activity form a rational, physiologically optimal type of breathing. Additionally, these exercises inhibit age-related degenerative-dystrophic processes in the human respiratory system.

Background and Study Aim. Sexual dimorphism plays a crucial role in the design of training programs for athletes. Therefore, understanding the influence of sexual dimorphism on various abilities is essential for optimizing training regimens. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of sexual dimorphism on the manifestation of coordination abilities in young volleyball players aged 15–17. Material and Methods. Volleyball players aged 15–17 years participated in the study (n=92, training experience – 5–7 years). Fifty of them were girls, and forty-two were boys. Motor tests were used to determine the level of coordination preparedness of the volleyball players. The study assessed kinesthetic differentiation, spatial orientation, reaction, coupling, binding of movements, and balance skills. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel and SPSS programs. Results. For most of the compared indicators of coordination abilities, there was no significant difference between male and female volleyball players aged 15–17 (p>0.05). In the “Shuttle run with back forward” test, which determined the ability of volleyball players to quickly rebuild motor activity, boys outperformed girls by 5.6% (p0.05) were found in the indicators that characterized the subjects' ability to demonstrate balance in both groups. Girls outperformed boys by 4.2% in terms of sagittal displacement of the center of mass. Comparison of the magnitude of latent periods of simple and complex visual-motor reaction by groups did not reveal significant differences among boys and girls. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate the need to implement targeted training programs to address and mitigate gender differences in coordination abilities among young volleyball players. These programs should focus on enhancing specific coordination skills. This approach ensures balanced development. Purposeful sports training can help overcome inherent physiological differences. By doing so, it leverages the benefits of tailored training to promote equality in athletic performance.

Background and Study Aim. The necessity to switch to online learning is closely related to the need to ensure the safety of students, which is jeopardized by the military conflict in Ukraine. In the context of online learning, diagnosing the physical fitness of students becomes more challenging, creating problems for physical education teachers. The purpose of the study is to suggest alternatives to physical fitness tests for students that can be adequately conducted at home. Materias and Methods. The study involved students aged 10-15 (middle school) and 15-18 (high school). The study involved students aged 10-15 (middle school) and 15-18 (high school). The high school group comprised 11 students (7 girls and 4 boys), while the middle school group included 28 students (16 boys and 12 girls). The research was conducted at the Velikosknitsky Lyceum (Khmelnytskyi region, Ukraine) during offline physical education classes at the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year. The physical fitness testing was carried out using suggested tests that could be performed independently at home. Results. The presence of significant correlational relationships between the outcomes of certain tests has been established. For example, there is a high correlation (0.95) between the results of the standing long jump and physical fitness in higher grades. A moderate correlation was also found between the results of the 30-meter dash and physical fitness in higher grades. Additionally, a weak correlation was established for the 4x9 meter shuttle run in middle grades. Conclusions. The study's findings demonstrate that conducting test exercises at home is a practical and efficient alternative to traditional diagnostics in school sports halls. However, assessing some aspects of physical fitness, such as speed, endurance, and strength, may be more challenging in an online setting.

Background and Study Aim. Multiple factors affect the health condition of students. In this regard, a key preventative measure is observing the students' level of physical preparedness. The aim of the study is to assess the cardiovascular system response of students to physical exercise using the 'Trunk Flexion Test'. Material and Methods. This study included 77 students from the physical education faculties of three universities in Ukraine, comprising 34 males and 43 females. The cardiovascular system's response was gauged using the 'Trunk Forward Flexion Test'. Data on participants were compiled through Google Form. Statistical evaluation was conducted using PyCharm CE and Python programming libraries. ANOVA was utilized to determine the differences in cardiovascular responses among students, and Pearson's correlation coefficient explored the relationship between body mass index and cardiovascular function. Results. Research findings show gender-based disparities in cardiovascular system responses (CVSR). Women outperformed men in achieving 'Excellent' ratings. Women also led in 'Good' and 'Average' evaluations, while men were more likely to be in 'Undesirable' and 'Hazardous' categories. Differences were noted in body mass index. The proportion of students with normal weight differed by university. The prevalence of overweight varied among universities. The occurrence of 'Underweight' and 'Obese' also varied by university. An elevation in body mass index was correlated with a decline in CVSR in men. Conclusions. Variations in CVSR highlight the importance of implementing wellness initiatives and encouraging students to enhance their physical activity levels.

Background and Study Aim. The development of motor skills depends on the process of physical development, as well as the ethno-territorial and cultural context. The study of inter-ethnic differences can provide information about how different lifestyles and contexts of physical activity can influence the process of motor competence development. This can be a real strategy for developing students’ lagging basic motor skills. The purpose of the work is to investigate the ethno-territorial variability of the level of development of physical abilities of students studying at Ukrainian universities. Material and Methods. Data were obtained from cross-sectional surveys from 2014 to 2019. Students of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University (Ukraine) (young men, n = 488, age 18–25) from different countries were recruited. Pedagogical testing was carried out using a battery of tests that were recommended by the State Tests of Physical Fitness of the Population of Ukraine and the European Sports Council (Evrofit Test Battery). Assessment of physical fitness of students was carried out on the basis of a combined percentage scale of multi-level gradation with a step of 1%. Experimental data were processed using the SPSS Statistics 17.0 program. Results. In almost all countries (with the exception of India and Tunisia), from 41.2% to 70.0% of students are characterized by a low level of development of cardiorespiratory endurance and speed-power fitness (from 54.4% to 58.3%). More than 50.0% of students from Jordan and Egypt have a low level of speed and strength abilities and flexibility. It was found that students from India and Tunisia have the highest rates (endurance - 75.5–80.8%); from China and Tunisia (speed-power abilities - from 69.1% to 78.8%); from Tunisia (speed –79.8%); from China and Tunisia (flexibility -70%); test participants completed the test; from China (power capacity – 76.7%). Students from European countries showed mostly average and above average level of development of physical abilities. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate the specificity of the development of motor skills of students from different countries, which is manifested in statistically significant differences in the results of test tasks. Students from different countries perform better on those tests that are closer to their known motor experience. This is due to the cultural environment, geographical factor, socio-economic status, as well as the content and goals of the physical education program.

Background and Study Aim. Integration processes in education provide for increased mobility of students from different countries. The related change in environmental parameters, cultural and social standards require additional tension in the work of regulatory mechanisms. This can lead to exhaustion of the body's reserve capabilities, disruption of adaptation and loss of health. The purpose of the work is to investigate the ethno-territorial variability of the functional state and adaptation potential of foreign students studying at Ukrainian universities. Material and Methods. Students of the medical university (n = 488, age 18–25) who came to study in Ukraine from different countries took part in the study. Data were obtained from cross-sectional surveys from 2014 to 2019. Anthropometric measures included body length (LT), body mass (MT). Functional status was assessed by Robinson, Rufier, vital capacity and strength indices. Adaptation capabilities and the level of physical condition of students were also determined. Experimental data were processed using the SPSS program. Results. It was established that the vast majority of students had Robinson index values: low and below average (students from Poland, Bulgaria, Jordan, Egypt); below average level (students from Ukraine, Malaysia and Tunisia); medium (students from India and China). Students from Poland, Jordan and Egypt are characterized by the lowest vital capacity index (52.7 – 54.9 ml·kg-1). Among the residents of India and China there were the most students with above average and high levels of vital capacity index. Most of the students (with the exception of students from Malaysia and Egypt) had a power index at the level of average and above average. The Ruffier index for students was: weak level – students from Poland, Bulgaria, Egypt and Jordan; satisfactory level – students of Tunisia, Ukraine, India and Malaysia; moderate level – students from China. The majority (40–44%) of the examined contingent from Poland, Bulgaria and Jordan was in a pre-diagnostic state. There were14–27% of such students among students from Egypt, China, India and Tunisia. There were about 10% of such students among Ukrainian students. From 6% to 11% of all foreign students were in a pre-morbid state. This condition is characterized by a decrease in the functional reserves of the circulatory system. Among Ukrainian students, there were 2.04% of such students. From 2.44% to 7.69% of foreign students had asthenization of regulatory systems; such a state was not observed among Ukrainian students. Conclusions. The obtained results of the study expand the data on the peculiarities of the physiological state of students of foreign countries and their adaptation capabilities. It is important that students with strained adaptation mechanisms or an unsatisfactory level of adaptation are able to reveal high functional capabilities with individualized physical exercises. An unsatisfactory state of functional systems can stimulate students to increase the body's adaptive resources. This contributes to increasing the level of motor activity and improving physical education courses with training according to an individualized educational program.

Background and Study Aim. The variability of interpopulation morphofunctional traits in humans is closely related to various environmental factors. However, body composition has a significant relationship with indicators of physical fitness, human performance, with its adaptation to environmental conditions. The aim of the work is to investigate ethno-territorial variability of morphological characteristics of students studying at Ukrainian universities. Material and methods. Datum were from cross-sectional surveys since 2014 through 2019. Male students aged 18–25 years old (n = 488) of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University from different countries were recruited. Anthropometric methods included body length (BH), body weight (BW), chest girth in three states: at maximum, maximum inspiration and rest; skinfolds thicknesses and epiphysis measurements. Somatometric physical development indicators (body mass index - BMI), Kettle’, Pignet’, Livi’ and Erismann’ indexes) were calculated on the basis of these parameters. Body composition (absolute and relative amounts of skeletal, fat and muscle components) were determined using Matiegka formula. Results. It was found that the average growth of students in European countries is higher compared to students from Asia (9-10%) and Africa (3-5%). Reliably significant differences (p

Background. Modern sports practice, numerous scientific studies show that the world sports peaks can be conquered only by especially talented athletes who, firstly, have a pronounced natural inclination to achievements in a particular sport, and secondly, who managed to implement them in long-term improvement process. Materials and Methods. The number of respondents involved in the observational experiment stage was n = 130 players of 11–13 years old. The paper used professional scientific and methodological literature reviews, pedagogical observation; anthropometry, adolescent’s posture analysis was performed using "Torso" program, mathematical statistics methods. Results. The videometry results, which are confirmed by an orthopedist, established the dynamics of functional state deterioration of musculoskeletal system. The study that examined the body length parameters in young players with different posture types, determined that among athletes aged 11–12 years, the highest body length values were in players with scoliotic posture and round back. In athletes aged 12–13 years, the highest average body weight values were typical for players with round back posture type and the lowest for flat back players. Conclusions. Characteristic posture features of the studied contingent have been established: normal posture was observed in 50% of football players aged 11–12, and 42.85% of football players aged 12–13. The most common functional musculoskeletal system disorder in young athletes is scoliotic posture, which is found in 26.66% of 11–12 year old players and 28.57% of 12–13 year old players. The second in the number of detected functional musculoskeletal system disorders in young football players is a round back observed in 16.67% of 11–12 year olds and 17.15% in 12–13 year old athletes. The data obtained indicate that the problem of functional musculoskeletal system disorders in young athletes is more acute than ever.

Introduction. A number of scientists have proven the positive effect of taekwon-Do I.T.F. on the physical state of people of all ages, the state of their musculoskeletal system. However, in the scientific literature there is no data on the effectiveness of taekwon-Do I.T.F. use in the programs of correction of foot arch (FA) disorders of young athletes. Similarly, no studies have been conducted on the effect of taekwon-Do I.T.F. exercises on the development of myofacsical kinematic chain (MFKC) of the lower limb and its role in the foot maintenance and correction in foot arch disorders. The purpose is to experimentally test the effectiveness of a comprehensive program for the foot arch disorders correction of young athletes by means of taekwon-Do I.T.F. Material and method. The following instrumental methods were used in the work: plantography (baropodograph using computer device “DIERS FAAMUS” (Germany)); electroneuromyography ("Neuro-EMG-Micro" made by "Neurosoft" (Russia)); photometry; myotonometry; formative consistent pedagogical experiment; methods of statistical data processing (Statistics 6.0 (StatSoft, USA)). Young athletes aged 7–8 with FA disorders and a normal foot took part in a 12-month formative experiment. Results. The value of the Friedland index, which characterizes the functional foot reserves, increased statistically significantly among EG1 young athletes who practiced according to the program developed by us, compared with those who were training according to the traditional program – by 6.48% against 3.85%, respectively. Conclusions. Analysis of FA morphological parameters of young athletes aged 7-8 years shows that the positive changes are statistically significantly more performed in young athletes who were training in the sports center "Taekwon-Do I.T.F." on a program of comprehensive correction, which is confirmed by FA changes.

Актуальність. Недостатній рівень фізичної підготовленості та соматичного здоров’я школярів обумовлює актуальність вивчення розвитку фізичних якостей у взаємозв’язку з аеробною продуктивністю та фізичним розвитком організму підлітків. Завдання дослідження – виявити взаємозв’язок складників фізичної підготовленості й фізичного розвитку підлітків із різним рівнем аеробної продуктивності. Матеріал і методи дослідження – оцінка фізичної підготовленості школярів (Сергієнко Л.П., 2010); визначення аеробної продуктивності методом степ-ергометрії (Карпман В. Л., 1988). Оцінку фізичного розвитку проводили на підставі визначення силових індексів, індекса маси тіла та індекса Пін’є. Кількість м’язової маси для розрахунку силових індексів визначали за методом Mатейка. У дослідженні взяло участь 423 підлітки, 211 – із них жіночої та 212 – чоловічої статі. Результати дослідження. Зниження рівня аеробної продуктивності супроводжується збільшенням індексу маси тіла та зниженням індексу Пін’є, що відображає важливу роль соматометричних ознак фізичного розвитку в детермінуванні функціональних можливостей організму. Підвищення рівня аеробної продуктивності пов’язано зі збільшенням м’язової сили, про що свідчить динаміка силових індексів, визначених за даними співвідношення показників кистьової та станової динамометрії до м’язової маси тіла в дівчат і хлопців, а також згинання-розгинання рук в упорі лежачи до маси тіла в підлітків чоловічої статі. Висновки. Зі зниженням аеробної продуктивності зростає частка дітей із нижчим від середнього рівнем фізичної підготовленості та зменшується частка дітей із вищем від середнього рівнем фізичної підготовленості. Наявність респондентів із вищим від середнього рівнем фізичної підготовленості в кожній дослідній групі свідчить про наявні можливості до підвищення рівня розвитку фізичних якостей. Отримані результати можна використати для розробки диференційованих підходів у фізичному вихованні школярів із різним рівнем аеробної продуктивності.