Remote versus onsite proctored exams: comparing students’ results in physical fitness testing

Background and Study Aim. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, distance learning has become a widespread practice in educational institutions worldwide, leading to the adoption of remote electronic examinations (e-exams) as a primary method of assessment. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of admission tests for the sport sciences department, contrasting traditional face-to-face onsite testing with online-based remote testing. Material and Methods. A total of 500 students applied (n =177 distance learning students, n =323 onsite students). From the tests, differences in levels of physical fitness (long jump, sit-ups, burpees, and pull-ups/push-ups) were compared between the remote and the onsite participants. Results. According to univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was a significant difference in the level of physical fitness (long jump, sit-up, burpees, and pull-up/push-up tests) between the remote participants (154.01 ± 83.1 cm; 13.85 ± 8.21 reps/60 sec; 6.76 ± 6.52 reps/30 sec; 11.36 ± 8.0 pull-ups/push-ups, respectively) and the onsite participants (172.34 ± 27.0; 15.28 ± 4.01 reps/60 sec; 27.29 ± 6.61 reps/30 sec; 14.76 ± 9.47 pull-ups/push-ups, respectively). Conclusions. The results of the present study indicate that the outcomes of physical fitness tests were significantly higher among onsite participants compared to remote participants. Despite the successful implementation of admission test procedures in the distance sport sciences department, the findings suggest a preference for physical fitness tests among onsite participants due to various factors, including 1) increased motivation, 2) model friction, and 3) competitive atmosphere.