Effects of swimming and running training on the physical condition and working capacity of students

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the effects of swimming and track running training on the physical condition, physical fitness level, health coefficient, and working capacity of students. The experiment involved 50 male students with a mean age of 20.16±1.4 years, studying at a pedagogical university in Uzbekistan. Over a threeyear period, their physical condition was monitored using morphofunctional methods, physical working capacity was evaluated through the Harvard step test, and physical fitness was assessed with standard control exercises for the development of basic physical qualities. The health coefficient was calculated based on heart rate, blood pressure, body mass, height, and age. Data processing was performed using mathematical and statistical methods, including the calculation of arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and the Student’s t-test to determine the significance of differences. The results showed a positive dynamic in the development of physical qualities and working capacity in both groups; however, swimming training led to more pronounced improvements across most measured indicators. The level of physical condition and the health coefficient increased to a greater extent in the swimming group compared to the running group. The findings confirm the high effectiveness of cyclic aerobic exercises, particularly swimming, for improving students’ health and enhancing their functional capabilities.