Informe Final Opción de grado: Semillero de Investigación

Abstract

This final report describes the research training process developed through active participation in the GIEDAF Research Seedbed, affiliated with the Physical Activity and Health Promotion research line of the Physical Education, Sport, and Recreation program at Universidad Santo Tomás, Tunja Campus, between 2023-I and 2026-I. This experience contributed to the development of research, methodological, technical, and analytical competencies through involvement in research projects, physiological assessments, laboratory activities, fieldwork, and scientific dissemination. Throughout the training process, competencies were acquired in the use of specialized technologies applied to exercise science, including indirect calorimetry, the Cosmed K5 portable metabolic system, surface electromyography, bioelectrical impedance analysis, blood lactate assessment, and performance evaluation tools. In addition, participation included the design and implementation of research projects focused on metabolic flexibility, exercise interventions in older adults, and training-induced fatigue in collegiate tennis players, as well as the presentation of scientific posters, oral communications, and other scholarly products at national and international academic events. Overall, the experience strengthened professional and research competencies by enhancing evidence-based decision-making, critical appraisal of scientific literature, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific communication, reinforcing research as a fundamental component of professional education in physical activity, sport, exercise science, and health.