Journal of Coaching and Sports Science
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Coaching and Sports Science

Multi-domain physical fitness profiles and machine learning classification by sport category across 13 competitive sports

Sahabuddin (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
Syahruddin (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
Muhammad Ishak (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
Muflih Wahid Hamid (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)
M Rachmat Kasmad (Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Comparative multi-sport fitness profiling using a common institutional assessment framework remains limited in Southeast Asian competitive sport. Aims: To compare multi-domain fitness profiles across 13 sports grouped into four sport categories and to evaluate machine-learning classification of sport category. Methods: This cross-sectional STROBE-reported study included 197 KONI athletes (137 males, 60 females; age 20.6 ± 5.8 years). Standardized procedures were used within applicable sport groups, although several tests were category-dependent. Athletes were grouped as Combat (n=69), Team (n=72), Individual Technical (n=37), and Precision/Shooting (n=19). Between-category analyses and Random Forest (RF) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) with 5-fold out-of-fold cross-validation were performed. Results: The largest between-category effects were observed for vertical jump (η²=0.438, p<.001), the Bleep Composite/estimated VO₂max signal (η²=0.217, p<.001), and sit-up endurance (η²=0.199, p<.001). RF achieved 79.7% accuracy and macro-AUC=0.907; the three largest Gini importances in the final nine-variable model were vertical jump (0.211), Bleep Composite (0.162), and push-up endurance (0.144). Conclusion: Multi-domain fitness patterns differed across the four administrative sport categories, but age, maturation, sex composition, and category-linked test availability constrain interpretation. The classifier is exploratory and requires external validation; the findings describe already-trained athletes and do not establish prospective talent-identification validity.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jcss

Publisher

Subject

Education Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Coaching and Sports Science is an academic journal that aims to provide education about coaching and sports science. In this journal, theory and practice in coaching will be integrated with sports science as a critical reflection of coaching practice, as well as improving sports academics ...