RECREATIONAL, HEALTH-ENHANCING, AND EDUCATIONAL EFFECTS OF SWIMMING CLASSES FOR FEMALE STUDENTS ASSIGNED TO A SPECIAL MEDICAL GROUP

Abstract

Objective. To determine the impact of regular swimming classes on the physical, psycho-emotional, and cognitive state of female students assigned to a special medical group. Methods and Organization of the Study. To achieve the objective, a set of complementary research methods was used: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment, questionnaires, biomedical methods (Ruffier test), and methods of mathematical statistics. The set of research indicators included three interrelated blocks: functional state of the body, subjective assessment of well-being and psycho-emotional state (questionnaire), and indicators of cognitive performance (correction test). Such an approach made it possible to comprehensively assess the recreational, health-improving, and educational effects of swimming classes among students of a special medical group. Conclusions. After the pedagogical experiment, all indicators in the experimental group of female students improved, which indicates the effectiveness of systematic swimming classes. It was established that regular swimming contributes to the improvement of the functional state of the cardiovascular system in female students, which is confirmed by a significant decrease in the Ruffier index. A positive recreational effect of swimming classes was also revealed, manifested in improved well-being, reduced fatigue, and an improved psycho-emotional state of the students.It has been proven that systematic swimming classes contribute to increased cognitive performance, which is manifested in a higher speed of information processing, as well as improved concentration and stability of attention. A decrease in the number of errors and an increase in the mental performance of female students in the experimental group were observed, indicating a positive educational effect of swimming classes. Improved concentration of attention may positively influence the effectiveness of students’ learning activities. The trends identified in our study are consistent with international and Ukrainian research results showing that swimming increases activity, vigor, and mood, and promotes recovery of the psychophysical state. The findings confirm that recreational swimming can be effectively used to improve cognitive performance, attention concentration, and the psycho-emotional state of students. The obtained effects are statistically and practically significant, particularly in indicators of activity and vigor, which are key for successful academic and recreational activities of students.