The Necessity of Academic Consortium of the Asian College Sports Science

PURPOSE: Sport science, in close connection with medical progress, has played a crucial role in promoting health and extending human longevity. While the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) provide effective regional platforms, Asia lacks a comparable consortium, limiting the ability to address shared challenges.METHODS: This paper examined the structures and impacts of ACSM and ECSS, analyzed regional differences in health and fitness indicators, and evaluated the current roles of Korean and Japanese societies. Based on these findings, strategies for an Asian consortium were proposed.RESULTS: ACSM and ECSS have advanced research, education, and policy by integrating scientific evidence with professional training and guidelines. However, Asian populations show distinct characteristics, including higher life expectancy, smaller body size, and different risk profiles for obesity and sarcopenia. These differences highlight the need for region-specific standards. National organizations such as the Korean Society of Exercise Physiology (KSEP) and the Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine (JSPFSM) are active but lack sufficient international influence.CONCLUSIONS: Establishing a Korea-Japan-led Asian Consortium of Sport Science, named the Asian College Sports Science (ACSS), could address these gaps by developing regional health standards, publishing joint research, organizing congresses, and issuing policy recommendations. Such collaboration would strengthen Asia’s global presence and contribute to healthier aging in the era of extended longevity.