Aim: To investigate cadets’ physical activity levels at different stages of their professional training.
Materials and Methods: The study involved the 3rd training year cadets (n = 61). To determine the level of physical activity and daily energy expenditure of cadets, the Framingham method was used. The research was conducted in two stages: the first was during cadets’ training in a higher educational institution, and the second was during their practical training (work experience internship) in practical police units.
Results: A significant difference in the index of physical activity (p < 0.01) and daily energy expenditure (p < 0.01) in cadets during their training and work experience internships in practical units has been found. It has been established that during the day for academic activity, cadets spent 2565.4 } 32.4 kcal, the physical activity index was 32.96 } 0.43 points; and in the conditions of work experience internship, 2708.6 } 33.2 kcal of daily energy expenditure has been recorded, the physical activity index – 34.92 } 0.47 points.
Conclusions: The difference in the levels of physical activity of cadets during their academic activity and work experience internship is due to the specifics of performing tasks in practical police units in modern conditions, which is characterized by extremity, novelty, change of the usual daily routine, accompanied by nervous and emotional strain, stress and requires additional energy expenditure. In contrast to the work experience internship stage, cadets engage in insufficient physical activity during their academic activities.