Health-Related Physical Fitness of Romanian University Students: The European Fitness Badge Approach

Background/Objectives: Physical fitness is a key determinant of health in university students, a population at risk of sedentary behaviors and lifestyle-related health issues. The European Fitness Badge (EFB) provides a comprehensive assessment of fitness parameters and individualized feedback. This study aimed to evaluate the physical fitness of Romanian university students using the EFB to examine the effects of activity profile, sex, age, and academic major and to associate physical fitness with body composition indices, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and A Body Shape Index (ABSI). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 university students (43.33% male; age 18-53 years). Participants were categorized into two fitness profiles: Basic (TP1) and Advanced (TP2). Physical fitness was assessed through standardized EFB protocols measuring endurance, strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall fitness. Independent t-tests, one- and two-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlations were used to analyze differences and associations. Results: TP2 participants scored significantly higher in endurance, strength, coordination, and overall fitness, Males outperformed females in strength and coordination. Strength decreased with age, particularly in the oldest group. The sports students demonstrated superior fitness compared to peers in other majors. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant interactions between profile and sex for strength and overall fitness. BMI and ABSI were negatively correlated with physical fitness, in strength, coordination, and overall fitness. Conclusions: The EFB proved effective in differentiating physical fitness profiles. Demographic factors and body composition influenced fitness outcomes, underscoring the need for targeted, profile-based physical activity strategies specifically adapted to university curricula and extracurricular sport programs. However, the findings should be interpreted in light of the study's geographic limitation, as the sample included only Romanian university students.