The effect of Ukrainian self-defense Spas on the fitness level of middle school students

Abstract

The aim of the work. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of Ukrainian self-defense Spas on ind o. icators of physical fitness. Material and Methods. Forty five middle school students aged 11 and 12 years of both genders volunteered to participate in the study. They were divided into two groups (control and experimental). The structure of the control group consisted of children who were engaged in the Physical Education classes for the general procedure. The composition of the experimental group was contained of children who were engaged in Ukrainian self-defense Spas. Results. As a result of the practices at school in Ukrainian self-defense Spas, there was a significant improvement in the experimental group based on several test results. It increased the level of speed, endurance, strength, flexibility, agility and speed-strength abilities. The final evaluation in the end of the academic year produced notable improvements in the group of middle school boys aged 11 and 12 years performing push-ups, sit ups and shuttle run. For girls in the same group, final values of indicators of physical fitness had statistically significant improvements as well in all tests except for the results of long jumps. In the control group, the outcomes proved minimal improvements in all indicators of physical fitness, in addition to the long jump, and core strength – in boys. In the results for girls, push-ups, standing long jump, and core strength were also negligible. Conclusions. The results of the study have confirmed Ukrainian Spas relevance in the direction of finding new ways to improve the physical fitness of middle school students aged 11 and 12 years as one of the most influential way to raise their level of physical activity. Additionally, it indicates the possibility of integrated comprehensive effects on the development process students using the Spas program and its effective means for integrated child development.