Restoring cadets’ physical and psycho-emotional state through modern fitness technologies

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the work is to examine the dynamics of cadets’ physical and psycho-emotional indicators during training sessions using modern fitness technologies (CrossFit as an example). Materials and methods. The research, conducted in the 2023–2025 years, involved 82 male 1st – 3rd year cadets from the Odesa State University of Internal Affairs (OSUIA, Odesa, Ukraine). Two groups of cadets were formed: Group No. 1 (n = 29), whose cadets participated in sporting and mass participation events (SMPEs) in the university’s CrossFit sports club under the guidance of a coach; Group No. 2 (n = 53), whose cadets participated in traditional programs during their SMPEs hours under the guidance of a unit commander (course commander, course officer). The research was conducted during the cadets’ 1st-3rd years of university training. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of literature, biomedical methods, psychological methods, statistical methods. The cadets’ physical state was studied using body mass index, vital index, strength index, and Robinson index. The cadets’ psycho-emotional state was studied using the methods referred to as “Self-Assessment of Emotional State,” “Scaled Self-Assessment of Psychophysiological State,” and “Assessment of Nervous and Emotional Tension”. Results. It has been established that CrossFit training sessions have a positive effect on cadets’ physical and psychological recovery. The indicators of the body mass index, vital index, strength index, Robinson index, emotional state, psychophysiological state, as well as nervous and emotional tension in cadets who practiced CrossFit were significantly (p ≤ 0.015–0.001) better in their senior training year than in cadets who practiced the traditional physical training system. In addition, during the research period, cadets in group No. 1, unlike those in group No. 2, showed a significant improvement in all studied indicators of physical and psychoemotional state. The most pronounced effect of CrossFit training sessions was on the indicators of the cardiorespiratory and muscular systems of future law enforcement officers, reducing nervous and emotional tension and improving well-being, mood, proactive attitude, and self-confidence. Conclusions. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the high level of cadets’ physical and psycho-emotional state will contribute to maintaining their somatic and mental health during training under martial law, reduce stress, and ensure the effectiveness of their academic and future professional activities.