Professor and researcher Mónica Suárez León, from the Department of Physical Education and Sports at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), conducted a study that provides new evidence to strengthen the teaching, training, and physical assessment processes of students enrolled in the university’s Basketball contextual course.
The study, titled “Physical Qualities of University Students Enrolled in the Basketball Context Course at UIS“, characterized the physical fitness of students between the ages of 18 and 28, generating valuable information to guide evidence-based teaching and training strategies.
Comprehensive Physical Fitness Assessment
The research was carried out at the UIS Exercise Physiology Laboratory, where participants were evaluated on aerobic endurance, lower-body explosive strength, handgrip strength, flexibility, 30-meter sprint speed, as well as height, weight, and body composition using a bioelectrical impedance scale.
This assessment provided a comprehensive overview of the students’ physical capabilities and established a baseline for future academic and sports-related interventions.
Findings to Improve Sports Planning
The results revealed differences in the participants’ physical fitness levels, highlighting the importance of conducting initial physical assessments to adapt course planning and develop training strategies that respond to the characteristics of the university student population.
The study represents a valuable contribution to the Department of Physical Education and Sports by providing scientific evidence that can optimize teaching, training, and physical assessment processes, promoting sports practice supported by research-based data.
“I always hoped the University would open the master’s program, since I have worked with UIS for several years. My greatest satisfaction is leaving a benchmark for UIS basketball and encouraging other sports programs to strengthen research by making the most of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory and the University’s facilities,” said Mónica Suárez León.
The research was completed as the master’s thesis for the Master’s Degree in Sports Talent Development. Suárez León belongs to the program’s third graduating cohort and became the third woman to earn this degree since the graduate program was established in 2024.
