Study of the influence of physical activity on the mental performance of students

Modern higher education is associated with high mental workload and significant information overload. A sedentary lifestyle, particularly among students, leads to decreased cognitive function, increased stress levels, and fatigue, which negatively impacts academic performance and overall quality of life, and contributes to the development of a number of somatic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of physical activity on the mental performance of university students. The study involved 142 medical students. High academic workload and associated stress were identified, along with a lack of time for physical activity among the majority of respondents. A correlation was found between physical activity levels and decreased short-term memory. The hypothesis regarding the importance of physical activity for maintaining students' cognitive functions is confirmed. Practical recommendations for integrating physical activity into students' daily lives are presented.