Changes in lifestyle and physical fitness in the first year of higher education: A longitudinal study with sports students

This study aimed to monitor variations in physical activity and fitness levels throughout the first academic year in undergraduate Sports Science students. A prospective longitudinal design included 63 students (46 men, 17 women; 19.7 ± 1.4 years), assessed at four moments (September, January, February, and June). Sociodemographic data were collected, and instruments included IPAQ, anthropometry, body composition, strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness tests. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was applied. Screen time increased significantly over the year. Physical activity levels showed a non-significant decline. Body composition indicators such as fat mass, BMI, and visceral fat increased, while lean and bone mass remained stable. Cardiorespiratory fitness and lower limb flexibility decreased significantly. These findings suggest worsening fitness and increased adiposity over the duration of the first academic year, highlighting the importance of monitoring such indicators to prevent negative health outcomes.