Análisis comparativo del nivel de condición física de estudiantes de primer ciclo de la carrera Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte de la Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

This study evaluated the physical fitness level of first-year students of the Physical Activity and Sports Pedagogy program at the University of Cuenca during the 2024-2025 academic year. The EUROFIT test battery was used in two moments (beginning and end of the cycle) to determine and compare the physical performance of the students in the morning and afternoon sessions. The objective was to analyze the level of physical fitness of first-cycle students of the Physical Activity and Sports Pedagogy Career, at the University of Cuenca, in the period 2024-2025. The study has a non-experimental, descriptive and longitudinal design with a quantitative approach. 53 first-cycle students from the Physical Activity and Sports Pedagogy Program at the University of Cuenca participated. To evaluate physical condition, the EUROFIT test battery was used at two moments of the academic year (beginning and end). The application of the tests was carried out under standardized protocols, with specific materials and defined procedures. As a result, Group 2 presented homogeneous and consistent improvements in most of the tests. For its part, Group 1 showed partial progress and irregular performance, with setbacks. However, after the final evaluation, both groups maintained their level of physical fitness, at the medium level (4) of physical fitness. Finally, the study contributed to the initial physical diagnosis of the students and highlights the need for sustained strategies to improve their physical condition.