Digital tools of Google Sheets as a means of assessing students’ physical condition in school physical education

Abstract

Purpose – to determine the effectiveness of using Google Sheets digital tools for automated comprehensive assessment of students’ physical condition in school physical education.Materials and methods. In the course of the study, the following data were used: anthropometric indicators (height, weight, chest circumference), functional parameters (blood pressure, heart rate before and after physical load), and physical performance indicators (Ruffier index, maximal oxygen consumption). Additionally, the results of automated calculations of the harmony of physical development, functional changes, and adaptive potential were analyzed. Data collection was carried out using a digital system based on Google Sheets, which enabled the automation of calculations, classification, and visualization of results. The study applied literature analysis, pedagogical observation, measurement of physiological and anthropometric indicators of students, and statistical analysis using the Student’s t-test (SPSS).Results. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of existing approaches to assessing schoolchildren’s physical condition, a generalized model for integrated assessment was selected. This model incorporates the most informative indicators validated in contemporary scientific and pedagogical practice, including the harmony index, physical development index, Ruffier index, maximal oxygen consumption, and the functional changes index. Each indicator reflects a specific aspect of physical condition, offering a multidimensional view of students’ physical development and performance. Assessment results are classified into five levels: low, below average, average, above average, and high.Based on this model, the digital system “PhysExpress+” was developed using Google Sheets. It allows for data input, automatic calculation of integral indices, dynamic visualization through conditional formatting, and structured report generation. The system is tailored for educational institutions, featuring a user-friendly interface and requiring no specialized software, which ensures broad accessibility.The effectiveness of “PhysExpress+” was validated through a comparative analysis with traditional methods. Results revealed a significant reduction in calculation time, fewer methodological and arithmetic errors, and improved accuracy and consistency.The system also enhances report preparation and enables individualized approaches for students with varying fitness levels. Thus, “PhysExpress+” improves diagnostic quality, while making the process more efficient, accessible, and scientifically grounded.Conclusions. The study confirmed the effectiveness of the digital system “PhysExpress+” as a tool for comprehensive assessment of students’ physical condition within the context of the digital transformation of modern education. Developed using Google Sheets, the system proved to be functional, accessible, and adaptable to the needs of the educational environment. Its application enables the automation of routine calculations, ensures objectivity and accuracy in assessment, and facilitates convenient visualization of results for analytical purposes.The use of “PhysExpress+” reduces the methodological workload for teachers, minimizes subjective errors, and contributes to improving the quality of pedagogical management in physical education. The system creates favorable conditions for implementing a differentiated approach to instruction based on individual indicators of students’ physical development. Moreover, it enhances communication among educators, students, and parents through the visual representation of development dynamics.The findings highlight the significant potential of Google Sheets as a digital transformation tool in education, enabling the development of effective, scalable, and integrated solutions in the field of physical education. Further development of “PhysExpress+” is considered appropriate through the expansion of its functional capabilities, integration with other digital educational platforms, and the creation of a mobile application to enhance accessibility and user convenience.