Vasyl Lutskyi

Background and Study Aim. The prevention of postural disorders in schoolchildren is a component of maintaining health and functional development. Increased static, sensory, and informational loads during growth contribute to the formation of stable musculoskeletal deviations that affect health and quality of life. Despite the use of various exercise-based approaches, their effectiveness under constrained and safety-limited conditions remains of practical interest. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of specially selected exercises on posture indicators and physical fitness in 11–12-year-old schoolchildren under war conditions. Materials and Methods. Thirty-two 5th grade students aged 11–12 years (20 boys and 12 girls) participated in the study. A four-month pedagogical experiment was conducted in Kharkiv, Ukraine, under mixed learning conditions in a war-affected environment with safety-related restrictions and limited space. The physical education program was supplemented with specially selected strength and flexibility exercises implemented as part of an inclusive safe physical activity protocol and performed for 5–7 minutes three times per week. The exercises were adapted for confined spaces, absence of equipment, and different levels of physical and psycho-emotional readiness. Physical fitness was assessed using flexibility, strength, and balance tests. Posture deviations were evaluated using Mashkov’s rhombus method. A questionnaire survey was conducted among students and their parents to assess physical activity patterns and parental involvement. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Student’s t-test. Results. Results. The survey results indicated low levels of extracurricular physical activity, with 23 out of 32 students demonstrating minimal activity and predominantly sedentary behavior. Moderate correlations were identified between posture deviations and flexibility and strength indicators (r = –0.54 to –0.62), while balance indicators showed no significant relationships. After the intervention, flexibility and strength indicators improved in both boys and girls. The number of students without posture deviations increased from 19 to 22. Conclusions. The integration of short strength and flexibility exercise complexes into physical education lessons within an inclusive safe physical activity protocol represents a feasible approach to organizing physical activity under conditions of limited space, safety restrictions, and increased psycho-emotional stress. In this context, inclusion is achieved through the adaptation of exercises to different levels of physical and psycho-emotional readiness, as well as by maintaining continuity of participation in unstable and potentially hazardous environments. Such exercise formats can be implemented in constrained educational settings as a means of maintaining functional capacity and supporting engagement in physical activity.

Background and Study Aim. Recreational activity among adults is an important factor in maintaining physical fitness, emotional balance, and social interaction. It contributes to the restoration of bodily resources, reduction of stress levels, and enhancement of subjective well-being. Although the Recreation Experience Preference (REP) scale is widely used to assess recreational motives and experiences, its application in regional and age-specific contexts remains a subject of practical interest. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary exploratory assessment of the internal consistency and item-level coherence of a short-form adapted REP scale in an adult sample from the Precarpathian region. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted among adults from the Precarpathian region who participated in recreational and wellness programs. The sample included 19 individuals (5 men and 14 women) aged 25 to 60 years. An adapted Ukrainian version of the Recreation Experience Preference (REP) scale comprising 10 items was used to assess recreational preferences. Responses were rated on a five-point scale ranging from 1 (“not important at all”) to 5 (“very important”). Data were collected using an online questionnaire (Google Forms); participation was voluntary and anonymous. Statistical analysis included calculation of means and standard deviations. The reliability of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and internal coherence at the item level was examined using Spearman’s correlations between individual items and the total score. Results. The analysis revealed that the adapted REP scale demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.89) and coherent item–total associations (Spearman ρ = 0.302–0.911), indicating satisfactory internal homogeneity at an exploratory level. Due to the small sample size (n = 19), no conclusions regarding factorial structure can be drawn. The highest mean values were recorded for items related to psychological recovery and a sense of inner balance. Women rated emotional and social aspects of recreational activity as more significant, whereas men emphasized achievement and development motives. Descriptive differences across gender and age groups were observed; however, given the small sample size (n = 19), these findings should be interpreted cautiously and cannot be considered conclusive. Conclusions. The obtained results demonstrate high internal consistency and coherent item-level associations of the adapted REP short form in this exploratory pilot sample. The observed pattern of item responses reflects the diversity of motivational and emotional aspects associated with personal development, recovery, and social interaction; however, no structural factor interpretation can be inferred from the present data. The instrument may be considered for exploratory use in pedagogical and health-promotion contexts, pending further large-scale psychometric validation.

Background and Study Aim. The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine has profoundly disrupted university life, limiting students’ access to physical activity, altering the educational environment, and increasing psychological stress. These conditions make it essential to understand how students perceive physical education and what factors influence their engagement in physical activity. This study aimed to assess the structure and development of key components of the physical education learning environment among Ukrainian university students during wartime, using an adapted version of the SAPPE questionnaire. Materials and Methods. The study included 89 university students from Eastern and Western Ukraine and 8 physical education instructors. Data were collected online using the adapted Ukrainian version of the Scale to Assess Perception of Physical Education (SAPPE), which consists of six subscales covering key dimensions of the physical education environment. Reliability and construct validity of the instrument were confirmed through internal consistency analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Results. The SAPPE questionnaire demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.894) and adequate construct validity, confirmed by interscale correlations and exploratory factor analysis. The identified two-factor structure reflected infrastructural aspects and motivational-personal components of the physical education environment. Regional differences were observed: 78 students scored high on the Classroom Climate subscale, while 40 scored low on Self-Efficacy in PE, indicating uneven perceptions across regions. Gender-based cluster analysis showed no statistically significant differences (χ² = 2.905, p = 0.234), suggesting similar patterns in male and female responses. Conclusions. The adapted SAPPE questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing university students’ perceptions of the physical education environment under wartime conditions. Regional and gender-related patterns, although limited, highlight the need to tailor pedagogical strategies to contextual differences. The instrument may be effectively used for ongoing monitoring and to support targeted interventions aimed at improving student well-being.

Background and Study Aim. Recreational activity of students is an important factor in their physical and psychological well-being, and its study requires reliable and valid instruments. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate a shortened version of the Recreation Experience Preference scale (REP-10), designed to assess the motivational aspects of recreational experience among university students. Materials and Methods. The study involved 149 students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport aged 17–24 years (122 men and 27 women). All participants attended a health and educational program in a mountain camp in the Carpathians (Ukraine). Data were collected using a Google Form survey. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test, Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman’s correlation, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with varimax rotation. Results. Tests for normality indicated a non-normal distribution of responses, which determined the use of nonparametric methods. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.8852). Correlation analysis confirmed the validity of most items, with the highest values observed for Q4, Q6, and Q7. Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure comprising the clusters “Physical and Nature Experience,” “Social Interaction and Learning,” and “Calmness and Solitude.” Conclusions. The shortened version of the REP scale (REP-10) showed high reliability and construct validity in a student sample. It can be applied in studies of recreational activity among young people, providing insights into priority motives and structural features of recreational experience.

Introduction. Contemporary empirical studies unequivocally confirm that the biomechanical regularities of the spatial organization of body links are crucial for the effective control of the organism’s interactions with the environment. Such control is vital for preserving somatic health, optimizing physical development, and establishing adequate conditions for individual life activity.The aim of the study is to substantiate and develop individual SMART goals for the personalization of preventive and correctional programs, based on objective quantitative indicators of the biogeometric profile of posture obtained through high-precision biomechanical screening of women.Methods. The research methods included: theoretical analysis and generalization of literary sources; photography and postural analysis; and methods of mathematical statistics.Results. The current societal challenges facing Ukrainian citizens and specialists in the field of physical culture and sports rehabilitation and health fitness necessitate research into and improvement of correctional and preventive work with individuals experiencing disorders in the biomechanics of spatial body organization.The effective development of correctional and preventive measures for individuals with musculoskeletal biomechanical dysfunction requires the application of an integrated, multifactorial paradigm. This paradigm mandates the obligatory integration of the following elements: the methodology of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for the precise definition of correctional and preventive intervention domains; SMART goal-setting principles for structural organization, ensuring objective result measurability, and dynamic progress tracking; personalization based on the analysis of individual needs, the biogeometric profile of posture, and the characteristics of the individual’s motor activity.Conclusions. A comprehensive quantitative biomechanical analysis of posture identified structural and functional dysfunctions, specifically: increased thoracic kyphosis associated with muscle-tonic imbalance (hypertonus of m. pectoralis minor and hypotonus of mm. rhomboid minor et major), forward head posture, and lower limb biomechanical disorders (varus leg deformity and valgus foot deformity).In light of these data, the personalization of correctional and preventive measures is a decisive condition for achieving efficacy in women with postural disorders. The central mechanism of individualization is goal-setting using the SMART methodology. This approach ensures structured management, guarantees the measurability of screening results, and serves as the foundation for achieving defined functional out-comes. Вступ. Сучасні емпіричні дослідження беззаперечно підтверджують, що біомеханічні закономірності просторової організації ланок тіла є визначальними для ефективного керування взаємодіями організму з навколишнім середовищем. Таке управління має критичне значення для збереження соматичного здоров’я, оптимізації фізичного розвитку та створення адекватних умов життєдіяльності індивіда. Мета дослідження – обґрунтувати та розробити індивідуальні SMART-цілі для персоналізації корекційно-профілактичних програм, базуючись на об’єктивних кількісних показниках біогеометричного профілю постави, отриманих за допомогою високоточного біомеханічного скринінгу жінок.Методи дослідження: теоретичний аналіз і узагальнення літературних джерел; фотозйомка й аналіз постави, методи математичної статистики.Результати. Сучасні суспільні виклики, які постали перед громадянами України та фахівцями сфери фізкультурно-спортивної реабілітації оздоровчого фітнесу, актуалізують потребу в дослідженні та вдосконаленні корекційно-профілактичної роботи з особами, які мають порушення біомехані- ки просторової організації тіла. Ефективна розробка корекційно-профілактичних заходів для осіб із дисфункцією біомеханіки опорно-рухового апарату потребує застосування інтегрованої мультифакторної парадигми. Ця парадигма передбачає обов’язкову інтеграцію таких елементів: методологія Міжнародної класифікації функціонування, обмежень життєдіяльності та здоров’я для прецизійного визначення напрямів корекційно-профілактичних заходів; принципи SMART-цілепокладання для структурної організації, забезпечення об’єктивної вимірюваності результатів та динамічного відстеження прогресу; персоналізація на основі аналізу індивідуальних потреб, біогеометричного профілю...

Background and Study Aim. In the context of a military conflict, students’ health is subjected to significant stress and psychological challenges. Monitoring the health condition of this vulnerable group can provide important data for developing effective support measures. The aim of this study is to assess the level of stress and health condition of students in Ukraine during the war and to compare these indicators with those of students from neighbouring countries, Poland and Romania. Materials and Methods. The study used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire to assess stress levels among students. A total of 443 students participated: 36 from Poland, 215 from Romania, and 179 from Ukraine. Factor analysis (PCA) was employed to test the validity and reliability of the PSS-10 questionnaire structure, with the number of factors determined using the Kaiser criterion. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The Python library in the PyCharm CE environment was used as the analysis tool. The Mann-Whitney test was applied for group comparisons. Correlation analysis was conducted between the overall PSS-10 score and measures of positive and negative affect. A logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of stress. Results. The results of the factor analysis showed that both factors significantly and reliably measure different aspects of stress. Cronbach's alpha values for Factor 1 (0.87) indicate high reliability, while for Factor 2 (0.79), they indicate good reliability. A correlation of 0.89 for Factor 1 indicates a very strong positive relationship between this factor and the overall level of stress. A correlation of 0.69 for Factor 2 indicates a strong positive relationship, though not as strong as Factor 1 (p=0.0000). The results confirm that the overall PSS-10 scores are closely related to both positive and negative emotional states, with a more pronounced impact on negative emotions. The highest number of students with a stress level of 2 is observed among students from Ukraine (32.65%) and Romania (35.60%), while in Poland this figure is 4.99%. Conclusions. The study showed that the military conflict in Ukraine significantly affects the psycho-emotional state of students, causing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Younger students and women were found to be particularly vulnerable. These results underscore the need to develop targeted support programs to improve the mental health of students in the context of the war.

Background and Study Aim. The issue of quality of life, physical activity, and health of students is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Daily shelling of cities and settlements for over two years may have significantly affected the quality of life of Ukrainian students. While students in Poland and Romania do not experience the direct impact of military actions, regional instability and mass migration processes may also influence their health and well-being. In this context, the aim of the study is to identify key trends and issues related to the quality of life and health of students in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. Materials and Methods. The study involved students from Ukraine (n=193), Poland (n=40), and Romania (n=215). The SF-36 questionnaire, adapted into three languages: Ukrainian, Polish, and Romanian, was used to assess quality of life. Data collection was conducted online. The results were processed using PyCharm CE and specialized Python codes with relevant libraries. Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α Cronbach's = 0.765) was used to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire responses. Factor analysis was conducted, with the number of factors (8) determined using the Kaiser criterion. The Mann-Whitney U test was used. Mean values, standard deviations, and percentage ratios were calculated. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results. Data analysis revealed significant differences in quality of life, physical activity, and health of students depending on the country and gender. Ukrainian students, affected by the ongoing conflict, showed a substantial decrease in mental health indicators. The average mental health score for Ukrainian female students was 25.42%, and for male students, it was 23.92%. This indicates high levels of stress and anxiety caused by constant threats and instability. Polish students are older than Romanian and Ukrainian students, with the highest indicators of height and weight. In Poland, women reported better mental health (58.67±15.94) compared to men (55.09±12.82). Men demonstrated better physical health indicators (50.50±6.96) compared to women (47.58±6.57). In Romania, men showed better results in the psychological health component (42.79±8.61) compared to women (39.67±8.70) and higher physical functioning scores. Conclusions. The results of the analysis highlight that the war in Ukraine significantly impacts the physical and mental health of Ukrainian students. The considerable cross-country differences in student health indicators underscore the need to consider the specific conditions and challenges faced by students in different countries. These differences are particularly important for developing targeted programs that can effectively support students in wartime conditions.

Background and Study Aim. Considering the growing interest in high-intensity training (HIT) among the youth, it is crucial to explore its impact not only on improving physical fitness but also on the overall health of adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess how HIT can contribute to the development of physical qualities in adolescents while minimizing the risks of excessive strain. Materials and Methods. The study encompassed 28 students (14±0.9 years) from a lyceum in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The participants were divided into a control group (CG, n=14; including boys - n=7 and girls n=7) and an experimental group (EG, n=14; including boys - n=7 and girls n=7). The EG participated in high-intensity training sessions twice a week, with each session lasting 20 minutes. The program's effectiveness was evaluated using a series of physical ability tests. PyCharm Community Edition integrated development environment was used for the analysis and visualization of the obtained data. The software code was written in Python. The experiment was conducted in Kharkiv (Ukraine), located in a war zone since February 2022. The requirements of the military administration for ensuring the safety of experiment participants were observed. Results. After the training program, boys from the EG showed improvement in tests on speed, coordination, and motor skills (p<0.05). Girls in the EG demonstrated significant improvement in the "Sit-up from a sitting position in 30 seconds" test (p<0.05), as well as improvements in speed and coordination tests. Conclusions. High-intensity workouts can be effectively integrated into the physical education program for teenagers, provided that caution is exercised and the workload is monitored. The results confirm that such an approach contributes to the development of physical qualities and supports the health of teenagers. This suggests a nuanced understanding of how such programs can be optimized for different genders to enhance physical education outcomes.

Background and Study Aim. Soccer activities are a good means of physical activity for high school students. However, the living conditions of teenagers in war zones necessitate organizing education in an online format. Overall, this affects the physical fitness of adolescents. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of soccer exercises on the physical fitness indicators of high school students under the conditions of online learning. Material and Methods. The study involved 21 high school students (15-16 years old, n=16 boys; n=5 girls). To assess physical fitness indicators, standardized tests were used, including the Bondarevsky test and the Yarotsky test. Results. A significant improvement in coordination abilities was observed in boys: according to the Bondarevsky test (t=2.16, p<0.05) and the Yarotsky test (t=2.18, p<0.05). There were also statistically significant changes in the level of endurance: in the "running around the perimeter of a 15 x 15 m square" test (t=2.08, p<0.05) and when performing the "Burpee" test (t=2.45, p<0.01). The abilities of girls almost did not change, which may be related to their low interest in football. Conclusions. The introduction of specific football exercises in remote physical education lessons can contribute to the improvement of the physical fitness of high school students, especially boys. Results confirm and expand existing knowledge about the positive impact of participation in football activities on the physical and social well-being of students. It emphasizes the importance of implementing sports programs in the educational process, especially in situations where traditional forms of physical education are limited.

Background and Study Aim. Military conflicts significantly stress students in affected areas, impacting their physical well-being and motivational factors. This study aims to assess motivation levels for physical activity among university students in conflict-impacted regions of Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The study involved 196 students from three Ukrainian universities, two in the eastern region (Kharkiv - included in the list of territories of active military operations) and one in the western part (Ivano-Frankivsk - a territory that is under constant threat of shelling). A short-form 'Physical Activity Questionnaire' (PAQ) with seven Likert scale questions was used. Statistical analysis was performed using PyCharm CE and Python libraries. Metrics like mean, standard deviation, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient for reliability were calculated. Bartlett's test of sphericity and Principal Axis Factoring were employed, with a statistical significance threshold set at pResults. The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.872. Bartlett's test of sphericity indicated suitable data for factor analysis, with a Chi-Square value of 641.808 and a p-value < 0.05, affirming good construct validity. University students from the Eastern part of Ukraine show average motivation levels for physical activity of 25.0 and 27.193, respectively. University students from the Western part of Ukraine have the highest average motivation level at 29.234. This indicates stronger motivation for physical activity in the Western region. Additionally, male students showed higher average motivation scores than females. Conclusions. Students living in different regions of Ukraine have varying motivations for physical activity in the context of the military conflict. Students from the western part of Ukraine (an area subjected to periodic military shelling) show a higher interest in engaging in physical activities compared to students from the eastern part (a zone of active military operations).