To explore the relationship between Physical Fitness Index and sleep quality in adolescents and to provide a theoretical basis for improving adolescent sleep quality. A total of 5018 adolescents aged 13-18years were selected by whole group stratified random sampling method from September to December 2024 in Changzhi, Taizhou, Jishou, Nanchang, Suzhou, Xianyang, and Yulin, China, for the physical fitness test and sleep quality survey. The correlation coefficients between Physical Fitness Index and sleep quality were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, and the effects of Physical Fitness Index on sleep quality were analyzed using linear regression. The total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 5.07 ± 3.03 for male adolescents and 5.79 ± 2.95 for female adolescents, with male adolescents significantly better than females (t = -8.61, p < 0.01). The mean value of Physical Fitness Index was -0.70 ± 3.89 for adolescents with poor sleep quality and 0.02 ± 3.70 for adolescents with good sleep quality in the junior high school level, which was statistically different between the two groups (t = -4.058, p < 0.01). Physical Fitness Index was negatively correlated with sleep quality index (r = -0.062, p < 0.01) and Physical Fitness Index significantly predicted sleep quality (β = -0.04, p < 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between the Physical Fitness Index and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in Chinese adolescents.

This non-experimental study examined the relationships among socioeconomic status (SES), body mass index (BMI), and physical fitness in senior secondary school students in Chandigarh. The sample consisted of 50 students (25 males and 25 females) selected from five government model senior secondary schools. Data were collected using the AAHPER Physical Fitness Test (1984), the Socio-Economic Status Scale (Aggarwal et al., 2005), and BMI measurements. Product-moment correlation analysis was employed to determine the associations among variables. Results indicated strong correlations between lower body strength and abdominal strength, and significant interrelations among endurance, speed, and agility. Upper body strength showed limited associations, while SES was positively correlated with agility and negatively with abdominal strength. BMI demonstrated a weak negative correlation with upper body strength. These findings underscore the influence of socioeconomic factors on adolescents’ physical fitness and health. The study contributes to evidence-based strategies aimed at improving physical fitness, reducing obesity, and promoting health equity among school-aged populations.

PurposeThis study aimed to analyze differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness performance based on chronological age, maturation status, and competition level among youth breaking athletes.MethodsMorphological characteristics and selected physical fitness performances were assessed in 23 male youth breaking athletes (mean age: 14.47 ± 1.99 years). Biological maturity was estimated from anthropometric measures and expressed as age at peak height velocity (APHV) and maturity offset. All athletes were classified into two age groups (U14 and U18), three maturity groups (pre-peak height velocity (PHV), circum-PHV, and post-PHV) and two competition level groups (elite and sub-elite). Independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVAs) were employed to examine group differences, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to investigate intragroup relationships between morphological and physical fitness variables.ResultsThere was no difference in body fat percentage (P > 0.05) between U14 and U18 in terms of anthropometric measurement indicators. In contrast, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in most physical fitness indicators (T-test, standing long jump, 30-m sprint, p ull up and 400-m run), with the U18 athletes showing superior performance. No significant differences were observed between elite and sub-elite youth breaking athletes, except in the one-minute sit-up test (P = 0.028). Significant differences among different maturity groups were found in age (P < 0.01), maturity offset (P < 0.001), height (P < 0.001), body mass (P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001), sitting height (P < 0.001), leg length (P = 0.016), T-test (P = 0.029), standing long jump (P = 0.019), 30-m sprint (P = 0.006), 30s bodyweight squat (P = 0.030), and 400-m (P = 0.021). While chronological age and maturity status correlated with multiple physical performance indicators, body fat percentage (P > 0.05) showed no such association.ConclusionsChronological age and maturity status play a crucial role in the physical performance of breaking athletes. However, the current physical fitness tests may not effectively distinguish the competitive levels of breaking athletes. Future studies are recommended to further develop and refine sport-specific test batteries.

Introduction Previous studies have explored the influence of the menstrual cycle on various aspects of exercise performance. However, associations between menstrual cycle phases and fitness performance in women remain inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the effects of the menstrual cycle and premenstrual symptoms on physical fitness test outcomes among female university students with and without regular exercise habits. Methods Eighteen female athletes and 13 female non-athlete university students volunteered for this study. Only those who completed all test sessions were included in the final analysis, resulting in the analysis of data from eight athletes (height: 1.66 ± 0.04 m; weight: 57.1 ± 2.9 kg) and eight non-athletes (height: 1.62 ± 0.05 m; weight: 58.0 ± 6.7 kg). Basal body temperature was used to categorize the menstrual cycle into three phases: menstrual, follicular, and luteal. A validated questionnaire assessed physical and mental symptoms related to menstruation. Fitness tests included handgrip strength, number of sit-ups, sit-and-reach test, number of side-steps, 1000-m run, 50-m sprint, and standing long jump. Results In both groups, physical symptoms differed significantly between the menstrual phase and other phases. Mental symptoms showed no significant changes in athletes, whereas three mental symptoms varied significantly in non-athletes. No significant interaction was observed between the group and menstrual cycle phase in any physical fitness measure. Athletes outperformed non-athletes in all tests, except for handgrip strength, regardless of the menstrual cycle phase. Discussion These findings suggest that among women with mild premenstrual symptoms, the menstrual cycle may have a limited impact on physical fitness, regardless of training status. These outcomes might be relevant for physical fitness professionals and researchers, improving the understanding of the effects of menstrual cycle phases on physical fitness and psychological symptoms in women. Conclusion The menstrual cycle appears to have a minimal impact on physical fitness test performance among female university students with mild menstrual symptoms, regardless of training status.

ABSTRACT Sports practice in childhood is essential for the physical, mental, and social development of children, in addition to preventing chronic diseases such as obesity,type II diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. According to data fromtheIBGE(2019), although a significant proportion of children engage in physical activities,there is still room for improvement in meeting recommended activity levels. Physical fitness, composed of attributes such as strength, endurance, agility, and flexibility, is directly related to children’s health and academic performance, as evidencesuggeststhat regular physical activity positively contributes to cognitive function, reasoning,memory, and attention. This study aims to assess and compare the physical abilities and school performance of children practicing three different modalities: futsal, dance,and combat sports. A total of 45 children aged between 6 and 10yearswereevaluated using the protocols of the Projeto Esporte Brasil (PROESP).Anthropometric, morphological, and physical fitness tests were applied, a long with an analysis of school grades in Portuguese and mathematics as indicators of cognitive performance. Data such as weekly frequency, training session duration, and time of practice in each modality were also collected. Statistical analysis was performedusing the JASP software. The study seeks to understand whether thereisaspecificsports modality that is more effective in promoting children’s overall development,combining physical health and academic performance. The results indicated that children practicing combat sports showed superior performance in five of the eight analyzed variables, including grades in Portuguese and mathematics. Significant differences were found among the modalities in lower limb strength and Portuguese language performance, with the lowest results observed in dance and futsal,respectively. Weekly practice frequency proved to be an important variable for academic achievement, particularly in Portuguese, demonstratingapositivecorrelation between training regularity and school performance. It is concluded that the combat sports modality was the most effective for the children’s integral development, encompassing both physical and cognitive aspects. Thesefindingsreinforce the importance of promoting diverse sports practices in childhood,especially those involving coordination, attention, and decision-making components,contributing to the child’s holistic formation. Keywords: Sports – Children – Academic performance – Physical fitness –Cognition.

The article presents data on the influence of the features of the typical and experimental programs of building the training process on the parameters of general and special physical fitness of football players aged 17-18 at the stage of preparation for higher achievements. It is proposed to include cardio training means (step aerobics, tae-bo, jazz-funk) in the author's program of organizing training sessions. The relevance and practical significance of this study are due to the need to find new modern approaches to significantly modify the existing programs of the training process of football players during the transition to adult football. In connection with the above, we assessed the impact of the experimental program of building the training process in the preparatory period of the annual macrocycle on the indicators of general and special physical fitness of football players aged 17-18. It has been proven that by the end of the preparation period for the competitive season, the football players of the experimental group, who trained according to the program proposed by us, had significantly and reliably better values of all parameters of their general and special physical fitness compared to the football players of the control group. In addition, the football players of the experimental group were also characterized by higher rates of improvement of indicators of general and, especially, special physical fitness at the end of the preparatory period, namely: the rates of improvement of results in running tests were better than in the control group by 0.59% - 3.10%, in jumping tests by 0.85% - 3.35%, and in tests of special physical fitness by 3.20-17.70%. The results obtained indicated the high effectiveness of our proposed training process building program for football players aged 17-18, which involved the use of cardio training equipment, and the possibility of its practical use in the training process of football athletes of the specified age at the stage of preparation for higher sports achievements.

Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of the operations of the Special Forces of the National Guard of Ukraine, directly impacting their effectiveness in carrying out assigned tasks. Special operations often demand high levels of endurance, strength, speed, and coordination, making physical training an integral part of military preparation. In the context of modern threats faced by the country, Special Forces must be ready to operate in diverse environments, including urban areas, forests, and mountainous regions. This requires not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills acquired through systematic physical training. The primary requirements for the physical fitness of candidates for Special Forces service encompass not just basic physical attributes but also specialized skills essential for successful task execution. Candidates must demonstrate high endurance, rapid recovery capabilities, and strength to perform physically demanding maneuvers. Agility and coordination development are also vital for effective teamwork and quick response to changing circumstances. Various standards are employed to assess physical readiness, tailored to the unique operational demands of Special Forces. Additionally, the psychological aspect of training is significant, as stressful situations can adversely affect physical performance. Thus, candidate evaluation includes not only physical tests but also psychological assessments to determine an individual’s ability to perform under high stress. Consequently, physical training for the Special Forces of the National Guard of Ukraine is a critical element ensuring servicemen's readiness for complex tasks. The requirements for physical fitness are formulated considering the specifics of future service and operational response needs in various situations. A systematic approach to assessing and improving physical qualities helps maintain a high level of combat readiness among Special Forces, ensuring successful task execution amid contemporary challenges. Training methods for physical fitness testing are vital in achieving optimal results in physical assessments and enhancing overall training effectiveness. A key element in this preparation is the development of individualized training programs that take into account each athlete's personal capabilities, goals, and needs. This tailored approach maximizes training adaptation to specific testing requirements, improving physical performance while minimizing injury risk. Individual programs may encompass various components such as cardiovascular training, strength exercises, and functional workouts, contributing to a balanced training system. The use of diverse training methodologies is another important aspect of preparation for testing; cardiovascular activities like running, swimming, cycling, and other aerobic exercises foster endurance development and enhance cardiovascular system performance, positively influencing overall physical condition and capacity to withstand testing loads. Physical fitness is crucial for successful selection into the National Guard of Ukraine. A comprehensive approach to candidate preparation, which includes physical training, psychological support, and proper nutrition, ensures a high level of readiness to perform tasks in challenging conditions.

Cohort Profile: Shanghai University of Sport (SUS) Longitudinal Cohort Study of Alumni Health Tracking.

Due to their different majors and the gradual diversification and complexity of the things they encounter, students’ thinking gradually matures, and the differences in mental health levels among individuals become obvious in the university stage. This study explores the group heterogeneity of the relationship between different physical health types of college students and their psychological depression, in order to provide scientific basis and methodological reference for alleviating students’ psychological depression and ensuring their psychological health. A random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 1,367 students in their first year of college in Shandong Province, China, which included basic information such as students’ gender and The Centerfor Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Discriminant analysis, K-means cluster analysis and analysis of variance were used to subdivide and cluster college students’ physical fitness test scores, and to explore the heterogeneity of the relationship between each type of clustering and psychological depression. (1) The physical fitness level of college students can be clustered and subdivided into 4 types: Physique-Functional Type, Cardio-Resilient Type, All-Around Elite Type and Speed-Endurance Hybrid Type. (2) Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the four different types of college students in terms of gender, as well as depressed affect, somatic and retarded activity, and interpersonal depression dimensions and overall depression levels. (3) Psychological depression levels of college students in All-Around Elite Type and Speed-Endurance Hybrid Type were significantly lower than Physique-Functional Type and Cardio-Resilient Type. There are heterogeneity differences in the depression levels among college students with different physical health types. It might be possible to predict their own psychological depression levels based on their different physical health types, with the aim of taking differentiated improvement methods as early as possible to intervene or improve the psychological depression levels of college students. Firstly, for students with more severe psychological depression, it might be possible to improve their depression levels by prioritizing the provision of targeted training programs that enhance explosive power, endurance, and cardio-pulmonary function. Secondly, for students with relatively stable psychological depression but poor physical fitness, combined with aerobic exercises, training aimed at improving physical functions should be provided. Finally, for students who have already shown excellent overall performance, efforts should be made to maintain and further enhance their comprehensive physical abilities.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-24978-6.

Background/Objectives: The cerebellum contributes to both motor and cognitive functions. As basketball requires the integration of these abilities, basketball athletes provide an ideal model for exploring cerebellar adaptations. This study aimed to examine multidimensional cerebellar adaptations in basketball athletes and their associations with physical performance. Methods: In this study, 55 high-level basketball athletes and 55 non-athletes matched for age and gender were recruited for multimodal magnetic resonance imaging data collection and physical fitness tests. We compared the structural and functional differences in the brain between the two groups and analyzed the correlations between regional brain indices and physical fitness test outcomes. Results: Basketball athletes exhibited increased gray matter volume in Crus I, alongside heightened ALFF signal in Crus I and improved regional homogeneity in Crus II and VII b compared to non-athletes. Diffusion kurtosis imaging analysis demonstrated that athletes perform elevated kurtosis fractional anisotropy and decreased radial kurtosis within the cerebellar cortex and peduncles, with cortical modifications mainly localized around Crus I and lobule VI. Notably, both kurtosis fractional anisotropy and the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations displayed positive correlations with vertical jump performance, an indicator specific to basketball ability. Conclusions: Basketball athletes exhibit structural, microstructural, and functional cerebellar adaptations, especially in Crus I. These modifications involve regions associated with motor and cognitive representations within the cerebellum, and part of the indexes are linked to the athletes’ physical performance. This study enhances our understanding of cerebellar adaptive changes in athletes, providing new insights for future research aimed at fully elucidating the role of the cerebellum in these individuals.

Background: Accurate and standardized physical fitness assessment is essential for optimizing athletic performance in rowing. However, the lack of valid and reliable testing instruments remains a major limitation in addressing this need. This study aimed to develop and validate a physical fitness test instrument tailored to the specific characteristics of rowing, providing practical and standardized measurement guidelines. Methods: The development process involved three main stages: analysis, design, and evaluation. The analysis stage included needs identification, theoretical review, and literature analysis. The design stage reconstructed test components based on relevant theories and validation by seven experts (four academics and three practitioners). The evaluation stage involved external validation and testing on 48 rowing athletes in Jambi Province. Results: The findings indicate that the developed instrument has strong validity and reliability. Aiken’s V analysis yielded a value of 0.77 (above the minimum threshold of 0.75), and inter-rater reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) showed a significant value of 0.000. The final instrument consists of nine items: 30-Meter Sprint, Push-Up, Sit-Up, Standing Broad Jump, Beep Test, V Sit and Reach, Medicine Ball Throw, Stork Stand, and Hand-Eye Coordination Test. Conclusion: The instrument is proven valid, reliable, and effective for assessing the physical condition of rowing athletes, and can be used for training and performance evaluation. This study contributes a standardized testing tool in rowing and suggests further research on broader populations to improve generalizability and flexibility.

ABSTRACT Background School-based physical fitness testing (SB-PFT), though widely utilized, continues to be a topic of debate over its utility and feasibility. Purpose A qualitative study among K-12 school personnel elicited information about challenges to and recommendations for SB-PFT implementation and explored perceptions of activity monitoring as an alternative or supplement to SB-PFT. Method Interviews conducted with 13 California public school personnel were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed to identify themes and select exemplary quotes. Results Whereas one-third of respondents were positively disposed toward SB-PFT, two-thirds were positively disposed toward activity monitoring. Thematic analysis yielded three benefits to SB-PFT and six challenges, compared to six benefits of activity monitoring and two challenges. The discrepancy was especially relevant to less active students. Discussion Participants were more optimistic about the use and importance of activity monitoring compared with SB-PFT. Activity monitoring as an alternative or supplement to SB-PFT deserves exploration. Translation into Health Education Practice This study yielded recommendations for implementing SB-PFT to promote youth physical activity. Recommendations include conducting multiple assessments during the school year, providing opportunities to practice the SB-PFT, and utilizing activity monitoring as an adjunct to SB-PFT. Teachers would benefit from clear guidelines for integrating physical activity monitoring into SB-PFT.

China's single children policy, implemented from 1979 to 2015, lasted for 35 years, with the result that China is now the country with the highest number of children without siblings in the world. This policy profoundly reshaped China's family structure and parenting models, significantly impacting adolescents' physical health and Body Mass Index (BMI). This study analyzes data from the Chinese Adolescent Health Database, comprising 7,482 adolescents aged 12-18 years from 17 cities in Shandong Province collected between 2015 and 2020. The database includes indicators such as height, weight, 50-meter sprint, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, and vital capacity, which were assesses these indicators against the revised National Student Physical Health Standards of 2014 (CNSPHS). Using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA), the study examines the specific effects of being a single child on physical fitness test scores (PFTS) and BMI, and the nonlinear relationship linking the two. Among the participants, 28% (n = 2,089) were only children and 72% (n = 5,393) had siblings. The primary purpose of this study is to quantify the impact of China's one-child policy on adolescent physical health outcomes through rigorous statistical analysis, providing evidence-based insights for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes in this unique demographic group. The SUR regression indicated that the PFTS and BMI scores of single children were lower than those of multiple-child families' children by 1.412 and 1.213 points, respectively. Further analysis uncovered an inverted U-shaped relationship linking PFTS to BMI, indicating an optimal, moderate BMI range for physical health. These results highlight the importance of monitoring BMI in adolescent health management and underscore the necessity of targeted physical activities and nutritional guidance for single child. Being a single child has a significant negative impact on physical test scores and BMI, indicating potential vulnerabilities in their physical health. This discovery is crucial for policymakers and educators, prompting them to provide more opportunities for physical activity and to strengthen the cultivation of healthy eating habits among only children, thereby enhancing their physical health and overall well-being.

Recreational soccer is a practical and engaging strategy to improve health-related fitness, cognitive function, and overall lifestyle in adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of soccer training on selective attention and physical performance in untrained female adolescents. Thirty-two participants were assigned to either a soccer intervention group (n = 16; Age 12.69 ± 0.27years; Weight 48.65 ± 10.11kg; Height 1.60 ± 0.04m; Years from Peak Height Velocity [Y-PHV] 0.52 ± 0.41) or a control group continuing regular physical education (n = 16; Age 12.93 ± 0.11years; Weight 51.06 ± 11.48kg; Height 1.60 ± 0.05m; Y-PHV 0.75 ± 0.37). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included physical fitness tests (medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sprint, balance) and selective attention using the d2 attention test. The soccer group improved all physical measures: medicine ball throw (+22.8%, Cohen's d = 0.80), countermovement jump (+18.7%, Cohen's d = 1.33), sprint performance (-10.3%, Cohen's d = 1.72), and balance (+43.0%, Cohen's d = 1.37). Both groups improved concentration, with a larger effect in the soccer group (F = 16.96, Cohen's d = 1.24), and total errors decreased significantly (F = 21.06, Cohen's d = 0.52). Recreational soccer in school programs appears to be an effective intervention to enhance physical fitness and cognitive function in adolescent females who are not engaged in regular physical activity.

The FAB holds competitions to fill the ranks of temporary military personnel and one of the requirements is a physical fitness test. For this reason, many candidates tend to do physical training on their own in order to pass the test. Food plays an important role during training. For this reason, the aim of this study was to verify the types of food consumed before and after and the hydration carried out before, during and after the usual physical training carried out by the class of aspiring temporary officers in the technical adaptation stage. The data was collected using a self-completion form answered by the class of candidates who were undergoing technical adaptation training at the Afonsos Garrison (RJ) in the first semester of 2024. A total of 72 individuals (men and women) took part in the survey and the results showed that before physical activity, 73.6% of the participants reported consuming some kind of food and, of these, the majority (64.2%) reported consuming foods that were sources of carbohydrates. A smaller number of individuals (55.6%) reported eating some kind of food after exercise and most of these consumed carbohydrates and proteins. With regard to water intake, 86.1% drank fluids before exercising. During exercise, 75% of the participants drank fluids. After exercise, 97.2% reported drinking fluids. Therefore, it was found that the majority of participants are in agreement, at least qualitatively, with what is recommended regarding food consumption and water intake before, during and after their physical training.

Background: Some studies have suggested that physical fitness and body composition may influence individual and collective performance. However, it is necessary to be able to define the relationships between these variables in soccer players of different ages. Objective: To determine the relation between physical fitness level, body composition, and somatotype in female youth soccer players in response to age. Materials and methods: A total of 56 players were evaluated: 19 early adolescents (EA–U13) with a body mass of 48.35 ± 5.67 kg and a height of 157.63 ± 5.55 cm, 21 middle adolescents (MA–U15) with a body mass of 54.02 ± 5.96 kg and a height of 160.37 ± 5.25 cm and 16 late adolescents (LA–U17) with a body mass of 55.37 ± 6.15 kg and a height of 162.39 ± 5.77 cm. The physical fitness tests were: Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Countermovement Jump with Arms (CMJA), Single Leg Countermovement Jump, COD-Timer 5-0-5, COD-Timer 5+5, Speed 15 m, Hamstring Strength, and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocols were used to determine anthropometric measurements (skinfolds, circumferences, bone diameters), and the Heath-Carter method was used to assess body composition and somatotype, with z-scores calculated using the Phantom strategy. Results: The analysis revealed that the most significant differences between groups were observed in general anthropometric measurements (ω2 = 0.84), followed by sitting height (ω2 = 0.51) and percentage of body fat according to Carter’s method (ω2 = 0.24), all with large and statistically significant effect sizes (p &lt; 0.05). Larger muscle and bone dimensions, especially in the hip, thigh, and calf, are closely related to better strength, power, and initial sprint speed performance in female soccer players. Conclusions: This study reaffirms that muscle mass is a key predictor of athletic performance, along with strength at high speeds, promoting improvements in power and sprinting in the initial meters. Adiposity is a limiting factor for youth soccer players. Age progression and biological maturation favor the development of the mesomorphic profile, optimizing strength and power.

Physical fitness of adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in special support schools: Insights from Japan's 2023 national survey.

Dyspnea-related kinesiophobia as a barrier on cystic fibrosis: The role of children and parents.

OBJECTIVES This case study aimed to compare the physical and specific physical fitness characteristics of sprint canoe and canoe slalom athletes, thereby identifying discipline-specific physiological and biomechanical demands that can inform tailored training strategies.METHODS Eleven male canoeists (sprint canoe = 5, canoe slalom = 6) participated in a comprehensive physical assessment comprising physical fitness tests (grip and back strength, sit-up, push-up, standing long jump, balance, reaction time, sit-and-reach, and trunk extension), isokinetic trunk strength and power at 60°/s and 120°/s, a 30-s Wingate cycle-ergometer test, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests.RESULTS Significant differences among groups were observed in physical fitness (right-hand grip strength, back strength, sit-ups, push-ups, reaction time, and sit-and-reach), specific physical fitness [isokinetic trunk strength: extensor (Nm, %BW) and flexor (Nm, %BW) at 60°/sec and 120°/sec; anaerobic power: peak power, peak power (W/kg), and average power (W/kg)], and cardiopulmonary fitness (maximal exercise time).CONCLUSIONS Sprint canoe athletes showed superior strength, trunk muscle function, and anaerobic power, whereas canoe slalom athletes tended to exhibit better balance and agility. Therefore, training should be tailored to the characteristics of each discipline, emphasizing power and strength development for sprint canoeists and focusing on core stabilization and agility improvement for slalom canoeists.

BackgroundPhysical fitness and body composition are foundational to the training and academic success of sports sciences students. However, baseline physical profiles may vary across institutions and countries, reflecting differences in cultural, educational, and physical activity environments. This study aimed to compare physical fitness levels and anthropometric characteristics of first-year sports sciences students from three European institutions in France and Portugal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 172 first-year university students (121 males, 51 females) enrolled in sports sciences programs at one French (UMLP) and two Portuguese institutions (IPB and IPG). Participants completed a standardized physical fitness test battery assessing aerobic capacity (estimated VO₂max), upper- and lower-body strength (handgrip, isometric mid-thigh pull), explosive power (standing long jump), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and balance (standing stork test). Anthropometric measures included body mass, fat mass, and lean mass. Group and gender differences were analyzed using ANOVA and effect sizes.ResultsStudents from UMLP displayed significantly higher performance in estimated VO₂max (IPB vs UMLP d = 1.08; IPG vs UMLP d = 0.81), strength (isometric mid-thigh pull [IPB vs UMLP d = 0.65; IPG vs UMLP d = 0.73]), flexibility (IPB vs UMLP d = 0.61; IPG vs UMLP d = 0.69), balance (IPG vs UMLP d = 0.91), and body composition (higher lean mass [IPB vs UMLP d = 0.19; IPG vs UMLP d = 0.28], lower fat mass [IPB vs UMLP d = 0.22; IPG vs UMLP d = 0.31]) compared to their Portuguese peers. IPG students outperformed the other groups in the standing long jump test (IPB vs IPG d = 0.51; IPG vs UMLP d = 1.38). Males consistently outperformed females across all fitness domains except flexibility. Significant group-by-gender interactions were observed for flexibility and strength measures.ConclusionsThis study highlights substantial differences in physical fitness and body composition among first-year sports sciences students across institutions in France and Portugal. These findings underline the importance of assessing students' physical readiness at university entry and suggest that institutional and cultural factors may influence physical health trajectories. Targeted interventions may be warranted to ensure baseline fitness equity and promote academic and athletic success.