Introduction:
Physiotherapy is a profession that requires both high physical fitness and psychological resilience, as practitioners are exposed to multiple occupational and educational stressors. Recent studies have shown increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and musculoskeletal complaints among physiotherapy students, which may affect their overall well-being and professional preparedness.

Aim:
The aim of the study is to assess the impact of the duration of studies on the intensity of symptoms of reduced mental and physical health and selected correlates related to this impact.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted using an online questionnaire from October 2024 to January 2025. The questionnaire included demographic questions and a standardized General Health Questionnaire – 28 (GHQ-28) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The criteria for inclusion in the study required active status as a physiotherapy student and informed consent to participate in the study.

Results and discussion:
Analysis showed a correlation between increased spinal pain (ODI) and the occurrence of chronic diseases among the respondents (p<0.05). Similarly, a correlation was found between deteriorated mental health (GHQ-28) and the occurrence of chronic diseases (p<0.05). The study also showed that a higher BMI was associated with lower spinal pain (p<0.05).

Conclusions:
The duration of studies does not have a significant impact on the mental and physical health of students. The presence of chronic diseases has a negative impact on the mental and physical health of physiotherapy students, leading to more frequent pain and reduced mental well-being.