Fitness profiling and its association with academic and athletic achievement among Malaysian university student-athletes

Introduction: Comprehensive fitness profiling is essential for understanding student-athletes’ performance capacities, yet limited evidence links physical fitness to academic and sports outcomes in Malaysian universities. Objective: This study profiled the physical fitness of student-athletes at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) and examined associations with academic performance and sports achievement. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 153 student-athletes aged 18–21 years assessed anthropometry, cardiovascular endurance (VO₂ max), muscular strength (handgrip), muscular endurance (curl-ups), flexibility (sit and reach), agility (T-test), balance (Stork Balance Stand), and power (Standing Broad Jump). Academic performance was measured by cumulative grade point average (CGPA), and sports achievement was categorized based on highest achievement levels. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were used for data analysis. Results: Sprint time correlated negatively with handgrip strength (r = –0.49 left; r = –0.48 right; p < 0.001) and positively with agility (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), confirming interdependence among fitness attributes. However, no significant associations were found between overall fitness, CGPA, and sports achievement. Conclusion: Physical fitness attributes were interrelated but not linked to academic or sports achievements. The findings establish localized benchmarks for Malaysian student-athletes and inform tailored training and educational strategies in university sport contexts.