Cross-sectional comparison of physical fitness, anthropometry and physical activity amongst academic levels and specialities in sport science programs

Objectives Physical fitness (PF), body composition (BC), and physical activity (PA) are essential components of sport science students’ training and future professional practice. However, previous studies have mainly focused on bachelor students and rarely considered differences related to academic year, specialization, or master's level. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and compare PF, anthropometric characteristics, and PA levels according to academic year, specialization, and gender among bachelor's and master's sport science students. Equipment and methods This cross-sectional study involved 426 (276 males, 150 females) sport science students from all academic years and specialities from the Université Marie et Louis Pasteur (France). Participants completed a standardized PF test battery assessing aerobic capacity (estimated VO 2max ), upper- and lower-body strength (handgrip [HG], isometric mid-thigh pull, [IMTP]), explosive power (standing broad jump, SBJ), flexibility (sit-and-reach, S&R), and balance (stork stand test, SST). Body mass (BM), fat mass (FM), and lean mass (LM) were assessed using bioimpedance and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Year, sport science speciality and gender differences were analyzed using independent ANOVA or independent t -test and effect sizes. Results Males outperformed females in all PF domains except flexibility. Across bachelor years, flexibility decreased whereas balance improved. First-year bachelor students showed lower body mass and strength values than master's students. Sport performance students demonstrated greater strength, power, and lean mass than other specialities, while physical activity for health students generally showed lower aerobic and strength capacities. At the master's level, sport performance students also displayed superior estimated VO 2max and strength performance compared with physical activity for health students. No significant differences were observed for PA levels across academic years or specialities. Conclusion PF and BC profiles differ according to gender, academic level, and specialization in sport science students, whereas PA levels remain relatively similar across groups. These findings highlight the importance of considering speciality-specific demands and academic pathways when monitoring students’ physical profiles and designing adapted educational or training programs.