The Faculty of Medicine at the State University of Malang (FK UM) continues to produce academic innovations to improve the quality of its graduates. This time, a study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a sports medicine block module in boosting the physical activity and fitness of medical students who often face heavy course loads.
Led by Dr. Hilma Tsurayya I., MHPE, the research, which took place from April to May, also involved local and international health practitioners. The research team was strengthened by Dr. Nanang Tri Wahyudi, SpKO, Dr. Erianto Fanani, SKed MKKK, Dinta Sugiarto, SOr MKes, and international collaborator Dr. Zulkarnain bin Jafaar.
This research initiative was prompted by findings that medical students tend to be sedentary due to high academic pressure. Yet, as future doctors, they are expected to be role models for a healthy lifestyle in society. This intervention program targeted third-year FK UM students taking a five-week compulsory sports medicine module worth six credits (SKS).
To measure the program's success, the team used the structured Kirkpatrick Model evaluation method from levels one to three. The evaluation not only assessed student satisfaction levels but also tested knowledge improvement and actual physical condition through the IPAQ questionnaire and the Rockport fitness test. The team also monitored the stability of this active behavior change up to three months after the program ended.
During this interactive module, students were equipped with both theory and scientifically measured physical practice. Various modern medical devices such as body composition analyzers, handgrip dynamometers, and yo-yo test instruments were used to ensure data accuracy. This step is expected to strengthen the integration of sports medicine into the national medical curriculum, while supporting the third point of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding good health and well-being.
