Features of physical development and physical fitness of students from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Babeș-Bolyai University

Abstract

Introduction: For physical education majors, a high level of physical fitness is the basis of professional and personal formation and development. Relevant information is necessary for further improvement of physical training programs. Objective: This study aimed at investigating the features of physical development and physical fitness of physical education majors, depending on their gender. Methods: In total, 161 students (107 males and 54 females) participated in this study, which was conducted in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Babeş-Bolyai University. The following methods were used: anthropometry, a method of testing physical fitness indicators, and statistical analysis. Results. According to the results of clustering, based on the studied indicators, participants were divided into two clusters: Cluster 1-53 female and 2 male students, and the remaining in Cluster 2-105 male and 1 female student. Representatives of different clusters that were statistically significant (p<0.05) differed in all indicators, except in the modified sit-and-reach test, wall squat test right leg and wall squat test left leg. Cluster 1 received the conditional name "Students with reduced indicators" and Cluster 2 included "Students with increased indicators". Representatives of Cluster 2 had higher indicators of physical fitness compared to students of higher education institutions, but lower indicators than students of higher education institutions in physical education and sport departments. On the other hand, the physical development of the Cluster 2 participants was similar to the physical development of martial arts and boxing athletes. Conclusion. Depending on the test, indicators of physical fitness of students in Cluster 1 were rated as average and less than the average level of physical fitness for female students, and Cluster 2 showed average or above average levels for male students. The findings of this study could assist in improving the quality of education in physical education programs.