ISSN 2782-4594 (Print)
ISSN 2782-4608 (Online)

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Abalikhin A. S., Vasin A. A., Maksimenko I. G. The role of physical education in addressing Russia’s demographic crisis. Physical Education and University Sport, 2026, vol. 5, iss. 2, pp. 120-133. DOI: 10.18500/2782-4594-2026-5-2-120-133, EDN: AMDOTF

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0).
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Language: 
Russian
Heading: 
Sports and society
Article type: 
Article
UDC: 
796.01+311(470+571)
DOI: 
10.18500/2782-4594-2026-5-2-120-133
EDN: 
AMDOTF

The role of physical education in addressing Russia’s demographic crisis

Autors: 
Abalikhin Anatoly S., ANO “Unika” Centre for Physical Culture and Sports
Vasin Aleksandr A., Interregional Public Movement “Kuznitsa Zdorovia” (Forge of Health)
Maksimenko Igor G., State University of Humanities and Technology
Abstract: 

Russia’s demographic policy primarily relies on socio-economic family support, while biological and cultural foundations of population reproduction remain outside the state strategy. The paper examines physical education as an institutional resource of demographic sustainability, combining effects of health improvement, the reproduction of a valuebased environment, and social integration. Drawing on data from ESSE-RF studies, WHO reports, and international metaanalyses, the authors demonstrate the link between physical activity, reproductive health, and labor potential. An analytical framework covering the life cycle from early childhood to old age is proposed, comprising three groups of mechanisms: biological (reproductive and somatic health), value-based (family attitudes, discipline, collectivism), and socio-economic (human capital, labor productivity). It is revealed that institutional discontinuity of physical education translates directly into demographic and economic losses. The conclusion is drawn that mass physical culture should be considered as an independent area of demographic policy, rather than an adjacent area of sport policy. Problematic issues limiting the effectiveness of the entire domestic physical education system have been identified, and addressing these factors is expected to have a positive impact on the demographic situation in the country. The results can be used in the development of interdepartmental programs for the preservation of human capital.

Key words: 
physical education
demographic crisis
reproductive health
public health
human capital
traditional values
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Received: 
04.05.2026
Accepted: 
30.05.2026
Published: 
22.06.2026