upload_zmgibh4ldzsj37uiweza647zv2.pdf

Aerobic Gymnastics and the physical condition in

the university students

Abstract

The lifestyle of university students is characterized by a greater academic load, decreased

physical activity and a lot of stress, this coupled with inappropriate eating behaviors and

excessive

use

of

technologies,

encourages

the

development

of

sedentary

habits

that

negatively influence the condition. physical, putting students at risk of suffering from

chronic non-communicable diseases. The objective of this research was: to assess the

effect of the implementation of an Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system to improve the

physical

condition

of

university

students.

This

study

was

carried

out

at

the

Central

University

“Marta

Abreu”

de

las

Villas,

with

the

participation

of

stude

nts

from

the

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Methods were used at the theoretical level, such as

analytical-synthetic,

inductive-deductive,

and

system

approach,

and

at

the

empirical

level,

document

analysis,

observation,

survey,

and

measurement.

In

addition,

the

mathematical

statistician

for

the

analysis

of

all

the

quantitative

information

of

the

research. As a fundamental result, an aerobic exercise system was offered that positively

influenced the physical condition of the university students being studied, facilitating their

self-exercise for the development of physical capabilities, improving their physical and

intellectual condition to better face challenges. of everyday life.

Keywords

: Aerobic Gymnastics, physical condition, university students

Introduction

Numerous investigations affirm that the regular practice of physical exercise contributes

to preserving and improving the health of those who do it, it also provides individuals

with a healthy occupation of their free time and offers them the possibility of improving

their physical condition to face the challenges of life. modern life.

University students are conditioned to changes in their lifestyles that have social, cultural

and physiological repercussions. The university routine itself, characterized by stress,

academic

load,

and

lack

of

time

for

physical

activity,

makes

university

students

susceptible to obesity (Vásquez et al., 2018). A large part of the student community does

not perceive regular physical activity as a primary and necessary element for their health.

Authors

such

as

Rosa,

García

and

Carrillo

(2018)

suggest

that

carrying

out

physical

activity

following

certain

parameters

has

a

beneficial

effect

on

the

functions

and

structures of physical condition. These functions are: musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory,

hemato-circulatory, psycho-neurological and endocrine-metabolic, contributions that are

assumed in this research.

It is necessary to resort to the contributions of authors such as Crespo, Armenteros and

Puentes (2019); Yuing et al. (2021); Zapata et al. (2022); Chalapuc et al. (2023) who

report that the development of physical abilities plays an important role. They are present

in all physical exercises, which constitute one of the most significant forms of human

activity;

where

the

physical

and

psychological

characteristics

of

the

personality

are

manifested and perfected, closely related, allowing them to successfully carry out certain

types of activity.

Physical abilities are basic organic conditions for learning and perfecting physical-sports

actions. These are divided into conditional, coordinative and mobility or flexibility. The

contributions of Carrillo, Aguilar and González (2020) are significant, contextualizing in

the university environment how to work on physical abilities taking into account the

professional profile of each university degree.

In line with the above, it is important to recognize in this analysis of the physical condition

in university students, the contributions of authors such as Caro et al. (2019); Costa et al.

(2021)

since

everyone

agrees

with

the

importance

of

physical

activity

and

its

health

benefits.

One of the activities for the development of physical condition that has become popular

in recent times has been Aerobic Gymnastics. This is divided into two modalities: Aerobic

Gymnastics for sports competition and Aerobic Gymnastics for all or indoor gymnastics.

In the university context, sports Aerobic Gymnastics constitutes a sport that is the subject

of study of the Physical Education discipline in the curriculum of the careers that are

included in Plan E of higher education and is part of the pyramid of high university

performance.

Other manifestations of Aerobic Gymnastics of great interest for the development of this

research are training with Step, Tae-bo and Zumba. These trends are widely accepted for

the benefits they bring to physical and mental health and physical condition.

However, even knowing the beneficial effects of practicing systematic physical activity

for

health

and

well-being,

some

people

do

not

adopt

active

lifestyles.

In

this

sense,

students are vulnerable to developing sedentary habits during their time at university. The

analysis of the results of the physical

efficiency tests

in

the initial

diagnosis

and the

observation of Physical Education classes allowed the authors of this research to detect

that there is insufficient development of some of their abilities that affect the physical

condition of the students. university students of the Bachelor's degree in Psychology, at

the

“Marta Abreu” de las Villas Central University.

The

experience

of

shows

that the

majority

of

students

arrive

at

the

university with little knowledge about the correct development of physical activity, they

have limitations in the development of physical abilities and sports motor skills, even

when they go through the entire system. educational, from preschool to 12th grade.

Another

determining

factor

is

the

growing

and

constant

evolution

of

information

technologies that facilitate the conditions for students to be less and less active in the

physical order. The fulfillment of obligations in the university context and the incorrect

use of free time favor the development of sedentary habits.

Therefore, the following objective is proposed: to assess the effect of the implementation

of an Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system to improve the physical condition of university

students.

Methodology

The study was carried out at the “Marta Abreu” de las Villas Central University. The

selected subjects were the first and second

year students of the Bachelor's Degree in

Psychology,

Faculty

of

Social

Sciences,

academic

year

2022-2023.

We

work

with

a

population of 66 students, of which, they were selected by intentional non-probabilistic

sampling

28

students

of

the

first

year

of

the

degree,

the

intention

of

their

selection

responds to the fact that they are first-year students who are going to receive Physical

Education as a subject of the degree curriculum in their first two years, which guarantees

follow-up to delve deeper into the incidence of Aerobic Gymnastics on their physical

condition, another criterion that was taken into account is that these students were the

ones who presented the greatest deficiencies in physical condition in the diagnosis made.

The sample is characterized by 25 female students for 89% and three male students for

11%. The average age is 18

years, they have received Physical Education in general

education, two are cadets inserted into the Revolutionary Armed Forces and all of them

did not practice sports for competitive purposes.

A

descriptive

transactional

design

was

carried

out

assuming

a

dialectical-materialist

conception as a scientific method, which allowed the object of study to be approached

with

historicity,

flexibility

and

a

systemic

character.

Therefore,

a

system

of

methods

shown below was selected. From the theoretical level

Analytical-synthetic:

it

was

used

to

substantiate

the

problem,

develop

instruments,

analyze results, prepare the final report and unify the data.

Inductive-deductive: it was used to focus the proposed system of exercises based on the

analysis of the results obtained in the study carried out, as well as to reach conclusions

regarding its possible application and generalization.

Functional structural systemic: expresses the logic or succession of procedures followed

by the researcher in the construction of knowledge in accordance with the general theory

of systems, for the development of the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system to improve

the physical condition in the studied subjects.

From the empirical level

Document analysis: it was used to review documents, verify the objectives and contents

with potential for the treatment of physical condition related to health. Documents such

as the Physical Education Program Plan E, Professional Model of the Psychology career.

Observation: 10 Physical Education classes were observed in higher education with the

objective of diagnosing the needs and potential of the students.

Survey: it was applied to 1st year students of the Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the

“Marta Abreu” Central

University of

Las Villas to

diagnose theoretical

and practical

knowledge about physical fitness, Aerobic Gymnastics, physical activity and health, as

well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed exercise system.

Interview: it was carried out with teachers with experience in Physical Education and

Aerobic Gymnastics specialists from the Marta Abreu de las Villas Central University, to

complement the information related to the field of action of the research and take into

account criteria and suggestions.

Measurement: to obtain and evaluate the results of the evaluated indicators of physical

condition and determine the level of physical activity based on heart rate.

Of the statistical and/or mathematical processing methods, the percentage calculation was

used, as a procedure, for the analysis of all the quantitative information of the research,

in the diagnosis and in the evaluation of the proposed exercise system.

Descriptive statistics were used in the preparation of bar graphs that allowed representing

the results achieved before and after applying the proposed exercise system.

The study was divided into three phases. During the initial diagnostic phase, body weight

(Kg) and height (cm) were measured to determine the Body Mass Index (BMI), which

was calculated by the formula: BMI

= Weight/Height2.

The physical

efficiency tests

established for higher education were applied (planks, sit-ups, speed, resistance and long

jump without an impulse race). To evaluate physical condition, a battery of physical tests

was used to quickly and practically assess, strength endurance in the thighs (quadriceps),

flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity level.

Strength resistance in the quadriceps: by applying the one-minute static squat test, the

strength resistance of the quadriceps is evaluated.

Procedure: the subject stands with his back against the wall, separates his feet twice as

wide as his hips and maintains the squat position with ninety-degree flexion, keeping his

arms extended in front without any type of support.

Classification: if the subject manages to maintain the static squat position for one minute,

the score is given as acceptable; On the contrary, if the individual does not complete the

required time, he is classified with the score of needing to improve muscle strength in the

quadriceps.

Flexibility: it is evaluated through the use of the Wells Test (adapted).

Procedure: the subject is placed in a sitting position, with knees in full extension. With

hands together, placing the palm of one hand on the back of the opposite hand; The subject

must flex the spine forward, on a base 20 centimeters long as far as possible, bringing the

arms in the direction of the feet, keeping the knee in full extension.

Classification: if the subject passes more than 10 centimeters from the tip of his or her

feet, he or she will have an outstanding score; If the subject reaches a range between one

and 10 centimeters in front of his feet, it will be scored as acceptable; If, on the other

hand, the subject cannot touch the tips of their feet and the distance is from one centimeter

to minus 10 centimeters, they will be classified as needing improvement.

One-Minute

Static

Walk:

Cardiorespiratory

fitness

is

quantified

with

the

one-minute

static walk test.

Procedure: the subject must perform the greatest number of knee raises in one minute at

ninety degrees simulating the walking movement, keeping the back straight (the right

knee raise and the left knee raise is equivalent to one cycle)

Rating: The score ranks the test as follows: 60+ cycles

–

Very Outstanding, 50-59 cycles

–

Outstanding 40-49 cycles

–

Acceptable, 30-39 cycles

–

Needs Improvement.

Level of physical activity: to determine the level of physical activity, specific questions

are applied that provide specific information about the practice of physical activity. It was

decided to determine the levels of physical activity in a more objective way, according to

the

step

test

or

Test

of

physical

activity.

Pérez

–

Rojas

–

García

Sedentary

Life

Classification (modified) on the behavior of heart rate. This test classifies the person as

severely sedentary, moderately sedentary or active, or very active.

Intervention

phase

or

implementation

of

the

solution

proposal:

after

developing

the

proposal for the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system to improve the physical condition

of university students, it is implemented during the months of February 2022 to July 2022.

Taking Take into account when teaching the basic steps of Aerobic Gymnastics, Step,

Tae-bo and Zumba to start from the simplest to the most complex, with a gradual increase

in the loads and intensity of the work.

Evaluation phase: the instruments used in the initial diagnostic phase were applied to

verify the effectiveness of the proposed exercise system. The statistical processing of the

data was carried out using descriptive measures for quantitative data, in this case, the

arithmetic mean and the empirical frequency distribution.

Results and discussion

Physical activity is considered one of the essential components for the development and

maintenance of health in people. Regardless of age, being physically active improves

quality of life and provides both

physical

and mental

well-being (Giroir and Wright,

2018).

Based on this criterion, a survey was carried out to determine the level of physical activity

of the students (frequency, duration and intensity) and to identify if they have knowledge

about Aerobic Gymnastics from a theoretical-practical point of view.

Regarding the practice of physical activity, the majority of students, 23 (82%), perform

physical exercises only in Physical Education classes, twice a week. Only five (18%)

practice physical activity systematically. Which showed a predominance of sedentary

habits in the group, since only two (females) do vigorous physical activity, five times a

week for more than 30 minutes while the rest three (men) do moderate intensity exercises,

three times a week. 10 to 30 minutes long.

Respondents stated that they do not have time due to study, teaching tasks and university

life; responses that coincide with the results provided by Jañez et al. (2022) that university

students spend much of their time sitting and dedicate more hours to studies, possibly

becoming more sedentary.

In relation to knowledge about Aerobic Gymnastics, the survey reflected that 100% of

respondents know some elements that they have heard about this sport, but only three

have a minimum level of practical experience from previous degrees.

Regarding the Sedentary Test, 22 students were classified as severely sedentary because

at the end of the first load they had more than 120 b/min, three were classified as Moderate

Sedentary and only three were classified as Active carrying out the 3 workloads, which

corroborates the predominance of sedentary habits in the group.

The relationship between height and weight with the Body Mass Index (BMI) showed

that eight students are overweight, four are evaluated as underweight and 16 have normal

weight, which does not mean that they are exempt from suffering changes in their body

weight due to the characteristics of university life. In this sense, the lack of physical

activity

and

the

acquisition

of

an

unhealthy

diet

are

two

clear

risk

components

for

developing cardiovascular diseases, being one of the main public health problems of the

21st century.

Regarding the result of the evaluation of the physical

condition indicators, the initial

diagnosis

reflected

that

the

students

have

deficiencies.

The

average

values

show

a

predominance of the evaluation needs improvement in the tests that measure flexibility,

cardiorespiratory fitness and strength resistance as seen in Figure 1.

In relation to physical abilities, the most affected according to the results obtained is

resistance. Males have better development of physical capacity, strength, compared to

females. While 36% of females have a better level of flexibility. Which made it possible

to confirm the need to apply the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system to improve the

components of physical condition.

1

2

1

24

1

2

25

2

3

4

19

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Very prominet

Prominent

Acceptable

Needs

improvement

Initial diagnosis of PC

Cardiorespiratory fitness

Force resistance

Flexibility

Figure 1. CF

indicators evaluated before the implementation of the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system

The construction of the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system proposed to improve the

physical

condition

of the students

under study,

initially went

through a bibliographic

search about Aerobic Gymnastics and its variants: training with Step, Tae-bo and Zumba

since they share Yes, similar characteristics, although each one has its particularities that

distinguish them from the others. The authors assume the considerations for Tae-bo work

according to Milenkovic et al. (2023).

To design the choreographies, basic steps from low- and high-impact Aerobic Gymnastics

and their combinations were used, alternating with Step, Tae-bo and Zumba training. The

style

for

teaching-learning

the

steps

used

was

direct

command.

There

are

two

work

strategies for teaching movements, these are free form and addition. Both were used in

this proposal depending on the needs of the group.

This proposal for aerobic exercises aims to:

• Familiarize s

tudents with the practice of Aerobic Gymnastics for self-exercise

• Improve the physical condition of 1st year Psychology students.

• Develop physical capabilities through the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system

Its implementation is divided into three stages:

1st stage: familiarization with the aerobic exercise technique.

2nd stage: improvement of physical condition.

3rd stage: maintenance of physical condition.

The Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system is composed of:

1. Warm-up exercises

2. Aerobic endurance work

3. Localized gymnastics

4. Breathing exercises

5. Exercises for muscle relaxation.

Through

modeling,

a

theoretical,

methodological

and

practical

representation

of

the

conception that supports the structural organization of the exercise system was made,

based on the functional structural systemic method: the logic of the procedures is followed

in

the construction of the exercise system in

consequence with

the

general

theory of

systems. Just as the components that make it up are selected. Figure 2 shows a schematic

view of the proposed exercise system.

Schematic View of the exercises system

Trabaj

Familiarize students with the practice of

aerobic gymnastics for self-exercise

Improve

the

physical

condition

of

1st

year Psychology students

Develop physical abilities

Exercise system

Exercise battery

Warm-up exercises

Work of aerobic resistance

Localized gymnastics

Breathing exercise

Muscle relaxation exercise

1st stage: familiarization with the technique of

aerobic exercise

3rd stage: maintenance of PC

2nd stage: improvement of PC

Exercises

for

the

development

of physical abilities

Through

the

choreography

of

the

basic

steps

of

aerobic

gymnastics,

Tae

bo,

Step

and

Zumba

Learning

the

basic

steps

of

aerobic

gymnastics,

Tae

bo,

Step and Zumba

Figure 2. Schematic view of the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system to improve the physical condition of

1st year Psychology students.

With

the

application

of

this

system

of

exercises,

it

was

observed

that

after

the

familiarization stage, the students

demonstrated

mastery of the aerobic

content, great

interest and enjoyment of the class, they felt motivated and expressed a positive attitude

towards the practice of Aerobic Gymnastics. An increase in the average values of the

evaluation is evident, very notable, notable and acceptable in the cardiorespiratory fitness

and

flexibility

indicators

with

respect

to

the

initial

values,

Figure

3.

The

levels

of

development of the aerobic resistance, coordination, rhythm and flexibility.

The students activated creativity in the construction of their choreographies, showing

themselves to be more independent and active from a physical point of view. The level

of

physical

activity

increased,

resulting

in

five

very

active

students,

15

active,

10

moderately

sedentary

and

only

four

severely

sedentary.

This

shows

that

the

students

perceived the importance of the systematic practice of Aerobic Gymnastics during their

leisure time for their well-being.

3

8

12

5

2

3

21

5

7

10

6

0

5

10

15

20

25

Very prominent

Prominent

Acceptable

Needs

improvement

Diagnosis of PC after the intervention

cardiorespiratory fitness

force resistance

Flexibility

Figure 3. Physical condition indicators evaluated after the implementation of the Aerobic Gymnastics exercise system

Table 1 shows the behavior of the physical condition indicators evaluated before and after

the implementation of the proposed exercise system. There is an increase in the number

of

students

evaluated

as

very

outstanding,

outstanding

and

acceptable

in

the

cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility tests, as well as a significant decrease in students

who need to improve these indicators.

Table 1. Comparison of physical condition indicators evaluated before and after the implementation of the

proposed exercise system.

Indicators	Very outstanding	outstanding	Acceptab le	needs improvement
Measurements	1ra	2da	1ra	2da	1ra	2d a	1ra	2da
cardiorespiratory fitness	1	3	2	8	1	12	24	5
Resistance Strength	0	2	1	2	2	3	25	21
Flexibility	2	5	3	7	4	10	19	6

As can be seen, the strength resistance indicator shows that there are still 21 students

evaluated with the Needs Improvement category, which is why the work on said indicator

must continue to be reinforced.

Conclusions

•

The

use

of

Aerobic

Gymnastics

in

Physical

Education

classes

twice

a

week

gives

students the possibility of learning how to carry out this activity so that they can practice

it themselves at home or in their leisure time, promoting habits healthy, as well as optimal

development of physical capabilities, improving their physical and intellectual condition

to better face the challenges of daily life.

• The application of the aerobic exercise system had a positive influence on the physical

condition of university students. The values of the cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility

and

strength

indicators

improved

compared

to

the

initial

diagnosis.

The

number

of

students

evaluated

in

the