Author(s): OHARA, Y., FERNANDO, H.I., IOANNIS, G.C., Institution: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MATSUE COLLEGE, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 435

Physical education classes have different objectives depending on the age group, but they encompass various tasks such as improving physical fitness, building interpersonal relationships, acquiring sports skills, and understanding the rules and tactics of various sports. In other words, the time available for each element is limited. While physical fitness is particularly important, it poses a challenge because it is difficult to improve systematically due to constraints on class time. Therefore, this study focused on CrossFit-style training (CFT). CrossFit-style training is a training method that involves performing various training exercises consecutively without rest periods. Because it omits rest periods, it enables applying physical load in a shorter time than traditional circuit training. Based on the above, this study consists of two parts: Study 1 involves designing a CFT program to improve physical fitness in physical education classes based on a literature review, and Study 2 examines the training effects of the CFT program designed in Study 1 on high school-aged students.

In Study 1, the lead presenter and co-researchers determined the exercise duration, exercise type, and number of repetitions. To inform the discussion, a literature review was conducted, including studies on training for physical fitness improvement in physical education classes and studies attempting to enhance physical fitness in short periods. In Study 2, participants were divided into an intervention group performing CFT–E and a control group, and the effects were compared. The subjects were 120 male high school students, all of whom were enrolled in physical education classes taught by the authors. The subjects underwent measurements before and after training for: (1) Total repetitions of the 4-minute CFT-E, (2) 20m sprint, (3) 30-second sit-up test, (4) Push-up test, and (5) Vertical jump (squat jump and counter-movement jump).

Based on the results of Study 1, the exercise duration was set to 4 minutes following a review of 24 literature sources. The exercise sequence and repetition scheme were defined as “10 squats → 10 burpee jumps → 10 sit-ups → 10 push-ups,” termed “CFT–E: CrossFit style Training–for Education” in this study. CFT–E required performing the aforementioned exercises as quickly as possible within the 4 minutes, without rest between exercises, aiming for the maximum number of repetitions within the time limit.

Until now, physical education classes have faced the challenge of aiming to improve physical fitness within limited time frames. Furthermore, the training content has often been based on teachers' experience or has been conducted without a systematic plan. In this study, based on evidence from 24 prior studies, we were able to devise a relatively short training session lasting just four minutes.