Re-evaluation of the Practical Entrance Exam for Sport Sciences Programs at Universities: Factor Loading of Exam Variables with Emphasis on Health and Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Motor Poverty of Candidates
This descriptive-analytical study aimed to evaluate the quality of the practical entrance examination for sports science programs and to facilitate the admission of more competent candidates. It was conducted based on data from 65,234 applicants (25,481 males, 39,753 females) over the years 2023 to 2025 (1402–1404). Findings showed that 89.6% of applicants reported no specific disease; the most common issues were visual impairments, followed by atypical blood pressure. Additionally, 31% of applicants had no skeletal abnormalities, while 69% had at least one postural disorder. Analysis of balance variables revealed that performance was better with eyes open than closed, and on the dominant leg compared to the non-dominant leg. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted seven factors that together explained 56.9% of the total variance. The most important factor (16.47%) comprised physical-motor tests (pull-ups, medicine ball throw, dribbling, sit-ups, agility). The second factor (10.64%) related to balance on the dominant and non-dominant legs; the third factor (8.75%) included postural abnormalities (crossed syndromes, flat feet, genu recurvatum); and the fourth factor (7.37%) was running time (250/150 m). The fifth factor (5.01%) included genu valgum and varum; the sixth factor (4.48%) comprised execution errors; and the seventh factor (4.15%) was general health (diseases, cardiac, respiratory, hearing, and speech issues). Based on the results, the current practical examination with its newly added variables can serve as a comprehensive test battery, and the variables added in recent years can function as an effective set of predictors for candidate success.
Kashi, A. (2026). Re-evaluation of the Practical Entrance Exam for Sport Sciences Programs at Universities: Factor Loading of Exam Variables with Emphasis on Health and Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Motor Poverty of Candidates. (e5321). Motor Behavior, (), e5321 https://doi.org/10.22089/mbj.2026.19895.2299
MLA
Kashi, A. "Re-evaluation of the Practical Entrance Exam for Sport Sciences Programs at Universities: Factor Loading of Exam Variables with Emphasis on Health and Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Motor Poverty of Candidates" .e5321 , Motor Behavior, , 2026, e5321. doi: 10.22089/mbj.2026.19895.2299
HARVARD
Kashi, A. (2026). 'Re-evaluation of the Practical Entrance Exam for Sport Sciences Programs at Universities: Factor Loading of Exam Variables with Emphasis on Health and Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Motor Poverty of Candidates', Motor Behavior, (), e5321. doi: 10.22089/mbj.2026.19895.2299
CHICAGO
Kashi, A., "Re-evaluation of the Practical Entrance Exam for Sport Sciences Programs at Universities: Factor Loading of Exam Variables with Emphasis on Health and Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Motor Poverty of Candidates." Motor Behavior, (2026): e5321, doi: 10.22089/mbj.2026.19895.2299
VANCOUVER
Kashi A. Re-evaluation of the Practical Entrance Exam for Sport Sciences Programs at Universities: Factor Loading of Exam Variables with Emphasis on Health and Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Motor Poverty of Candidates. Motor Behavior. 2026;():e5321 (In Persian). doi: 10.22089/mbj.2026.19895.2299