PHYSICAL EDUCATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DURING WARTIME: THE ROLE OF FITNESS APPROACHES IN PROMOTING YOUTH HEALTH

Abstract

The relevance of physical education for high school students during wartime is due to the urgent need to support and preserve the physical and mental health of youth under complex socio-psychological conditions. One of the promising directions is the implementation of modern fitness technologies, in particular fitboxing, as an effective means of increasing motor activity, developing physical qualities, and adapting to stress factors.The aim of the study is to substantiate and experimentally verify the effectiveness of using fitboxing in extracurricular and distance- based physical activity programs for high school students in order to improve their physical fitness.In academic research and professional pedagogical literature, considerable attention is devoted to identifying new and effective forms and methods of physical education for students in general secondary education, as well as strategies for their implementation.Scholars emphasize that extracurricular formats–such as clubs, sports sections, and independent physical activities–can significantly contribute to students’ active physical self-improvement. Researchers have observed a marked decline in the health status of the Ukrainian population under the influence of ongoing aggression. Physical activity and sports are regarded as important tools for restoring both the physical and mental well-being of individuals affected by the war. At the same time, there remains a pressing issue regarding the provision of internally displaced persons with access to specialized programs and sports facilities.The following research methods were used: analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical experiment, testing of physical qualities, and mathematical-statistical analysis of the obtained results. The experimental work was carried out in general secondary education institutions with the participation of control and experimental groups.The results showed statistically significant improvements in the experimental group in indicators of strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, and agility. The applied methodology of fitboxing training sessions proved effective in enhancing the physical preparedness of high school students and contributed to stabilizing their psycho-emotional state. The obtained results can be used to improve the system of physical education in educational institutions, especially in conditions of limited access to sports infrastructure.