Composición corporal, condición física y rendimiento físico en estudiantes de la Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Ecuador

Introduction: Body composition influences physical condition and performance, and its analysis in university students is relevant. Objective: To evaluate the influence of body composition on the physical condition and physical performance of students at the Laica Eloy Alfaro University in Manabí, Ecuador. Methodology: Descriptive correlational research on 237 students of both sexes, evaluated using a four-part approach and the Cooper and Matsudo tests to determine physical condition, VO₂max, and anaerobic lactate power. Results: Weight was 71.7 (SD=14.48) kg, higher in women (M = 72.48 kg, SD = 22.43) and shorter than men. Body composition showed high values of fat and bone mass in women, while in men, muscle and residual mass were higher. In terms of body fat, the predominant states were optimal (54.4%) and overweight (35.4%). The average distance covered in 12 minutes was 2187.93 m (SD = 426.78). Physical condition is distributed as good (37.1%), poor (30.0%), and average (17.7%). VO2max was 37.61 ml•kg-1•min-1 (SD = 9.54). Discussion: Low physical condition, reduced VO₂ max, and excess fat are present. Men outperform women in the PAML, a difference attributable to factors associated with muscle mass, as reported by other researchers. Conclusions: Body composition influences aerobic capacity and anaerobic power, while sex differences in muscle mass, fat, and cardiorespiratory capacity modify performance, with greater muscle mass and less fat being associated with better VO₂max and physical condition.