Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Events among Student Healthcare Professionals: Is It a Definite Public Concern? A Scoping Review

Background: Sedentary lifestyles among student healthcare professionals pose a significant risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite their academic exposure to health promotion, inconsistent and often suboptimal levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) have been reported. As poor CRF is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events, there is a need to map existing literature evaluating these fitness indicators among healthcare students. Methods: We followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, with enhancements by Levac et al ., and adhered to the PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed and SCOPUS was conducted from inception to July 20, 2025, using predefined Medical Subject Headings and keywords related to CRF, MF, and physical fitness in medical, physiotherapy, nursing, physician associate and medical social work students. Cross-sectional, prospective, and retrospective studies published in English were considered. Two reviewers screened 3,023 records, yielding 11 included studies. Data were extracted and charted using a standardized format. Results: The 11 reported studies covered 5 medical, 4 physiotherapy, and 2 nursing cohorts. Participants were mainly early-20s and often female-predominant. CRF was assessed via Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO 2max ) using treadmill or cycle ergometers, shuttle/run tests, or step tests like Queen’s 3-min and YMCA. MF was measured by handgrip dynamometry, one-repetition-maximum lifts, and timed sit-up or push-up tests. Flexibility like sit-and-reach and body composition using BMI and body fat were also reported. Overweight was common: e.g ., 28%-60% of physiotherapy and approximately 38%-40% of nursing students were obese. Fitness outcomes were generally suboptimal. A South African medical sample saw 69.5% below-average CRF, and a Thai cohort had ~80% in “poor/fair” CRF categories. Mean VO 2max values often hovered near low-normal (~29-30 mL/kg/min). Muscular endurance and strength scores likewise clustered below normative levels. Gender patterns were mixed: males often showed higher strength, but CRF differences were inconsistent. Conclusion: Many healthcare students exhibit modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, notably low CRF, MF, and high BMI. Given the link between fitness and reduced CVD mortality, as well as the role of fit future clinicians in promoting healthy behaviors, health curricula should include structured fitness education and regular exercise programs. Routine fitness screening and personal health awareness are recommended among students. Future research should standardize fitness assessments, include underrepresented health professions, and adopt longitudinal designs to inform targeted interventions. (OSF: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/E6UN5)