Dynamics of cadets’ physical fitness during field training

The article examines the level of development of basic physical qualities (speed, strength, endurance) in cadets of higher military educational institutions before and after field trainings, depending on the year of study and duration of field trainings. Cadets (male) of the Military Institute of Tank Troops of the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute" (n=327) of different years of studying took part in the research. The research was carried out in 2019-2021 during field trainings, which were carried out in the autumn and spring periods (September-October, April-May). Research methods: analysis and generalization of literary sources, pedagogical observation, testing, methods of mathematical statistics. The level of cadets’ physical fitness was determined by exercises that characterize the development of physical qualities: speed – 100 m running, strength – pull-ups on the crossbar, endurance – 3 km running. The assessment was carried out in accordance with the standards defined in the Provisional Guidelines for Physical Training in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was found that the level of development of all physical qualities of cadets of all years of studying deteriorates during field trainings. The worst level among physical qualities after the return of cadets from field trainings was recorded in the indicators of endurance development. At the same time, the longer the duration of the field trainings, the more the level of physical fitness of the cadets deteriorates. The most pronounced deterioration in the level of development of physical qualities was found in junior year cadets. The obtained results indicate the need to improve the organization and methodology of conducting physical training with cadets during field trainings, which will contribute to maintaining the level of their physical fitness at the appropriate level.