No. 8, pp. 55–55

Published: 28.07.2026

CC BY 4.0

Keywords: volleyball, university students, stress resistance, work capacity, Ruffier index, emotional tension, physical fitness, psychophysiological state.

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of regular volleyball training sessions on the level of stress resistance and work capacity of first- and second-year university students.

Methodology and organization of the study. The research involved 28 students aged 17–20, divided into an experimental (n=14) and a control (n=14) group. The experimental group played volleyball three times a week for 60 minutes, while the control group performed standard general physical training without sports games. The duration of the experiment was 6 months. Stress resistance was assessed using the subjective stress load scale (in points, 0–40), and work capacity was assessed using the Ruffier index and the number of repetitions in the "sit-ups in 30 seconds" test. Measurements were taken before and after the experiment [1, 2].

Results and discussion. The baseline level of stress load in the experimental group was 22.4±4.1 points, and in the control group it was 21.8±3.9 points. After a six-month course of volleyball training, the indicator decreased to 16.1±3.5 points (an improvement of 28.1%) (p<0.05), whereas in the control group the value changed insignificantly, to 20.6±4.0 points (a deterioration of 5.5% relative to the dynamics of the experiment) (p≥0.05). Work capacity also demonstrated more pronounced positive dynamics in the experimental group. The Ruffier index improved from 12.8±1.9 to 10.1±1.7 (p<0.05), which indicates an increase in the functional readiness of the cardiovascular system. The number of repetitions in the "sit-ups in 30 seconds" test increased from 28.6±4.3 to 33.2±4.6 (p<0.05). In the control group, the changes were minimal: the Ruffier index changed from 12.5±2.1 to 11.9±2.0, and the number of repetitions from 29.1±4.0 to 30.0±3.8 (p≥0.05). The obtained data show that playing volleyball has a comprehensive effect, reducing emotional tension through game activities and team interaction, as well as increasing work capacity due to the variable intensity of motor activity.

Conclusion. Regular volleyball training for eight weeks contributes to a significant decrease in stress levels and an increase in the work capacity of first- and second-year university students. The game format of the classes provides a pronounced psychophysiological effect, making volleyball an effective means of enhancing the adaptive capabilities, emotional stability, and functional readiness of university youth.