The graduate in physical culture. Realities and challenges in the 21st century. Enormous demands of modern life: Increase in life expectancy. Decrease in mortality
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Abstract
Introduction: The increase in life expectancy, the reduction in mortality, and social, educational, and technological changes have modified the profile of the Physical Education graduate, expanding their area of action towards health promotion, disease prevention, and educational leadership.
Objective: To review the scientific evidence on the realities and challenges faced by graduates in Physical Culture in response to the demands of the 21st century.
Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC for articles published between 2020 and 2026 in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were selected, whose methodological quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, with an average quality of 92.1%.
Results: The evidence showed an evolution of the professional role towards functions related to health promotion, health literacy, leadership, educational innovation, and interdisciplinary work. Similarly, the need to strengthen university education through digital competencies, formative assessment, and preventive approaches to respond to demographic and social changes was highlighted.
Discussion: The findings show a paradigmatic shift that positions the graduate in Physical Culture as a strategic actor for public health and social well-being.
Conclusions: The profession needs continuous curricular updates and the acquisition of interdisciplinary, technological, and leadership competencies to effectively address contemporary challenges.
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