Assessment of physical fitness dynamics of students at Kaunas university of medicine

Abstract

This article covers assessment of physical component of health - physical fitness. Physical fitness has been defined as "the abikity to perform physical work satisfactory"."Eurofit" test battery is giving us a possibility to assess physical fitness as a complex component of health. These tests are sensitive, individual and reliable instruments for assessing various principal dimensions of the human body's function (cardio-respiratory endurance, strength, muscular endurance and power, flexibility, speed, balance). The aim of the work was to evaluate physical fitness dynamics of students of 10 years period. We have assessed 2877 students of Kaunas university of medicine in Lithuania. Testing of physical fitness was made every academic year from 1994 till 2005 according to the recommendations for testing procedure. Tests results were analyzed according to the gender and academic year. We have noticed that tendencies of physical fitness were similar for both gender groups in 10 years period of monitoring. Some physical fitness (strength, agility, speed, cardio-respiratory endurance) of females got worsen in 10 years period of monitoring. Only cardio-respiratory endurance and flexibility got worsen in males. Strength, agility, speed and cardio-respiratory endurance of females and cardio-respiratory endurance and flexibility of males got worsen in 10 years period of fitness monitoring. Motor fitness (standing broad junp, hand grip, sit-ups tests), speed (plate tapping test), and agility (shuttle run: 10x5 m.) results of males were stable. These changes could be linked to the low level of habitual physical activity.