CELAFISCS

What CELAFISCS does

CELAFISCS (Centro de Estudos do Laboratório de Aptidão Física de São Caetano do Sul) is a Brazilian non-profit research and education institution founded in 1974, headquartered at the USCS Campus Barcelona in São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo. The organization conducts scientific research on physical activity, exercise physiology, and sports science, and translates that research into continuing education for health and sports science professionals, graduate-level academic programming in partnership with Universidade São Caetano do Sul (USCS), and public health interventions such as the Agita São Paulo program (launched 1996) and the Manifesto da Atividade Física Pós COVID-19.

Its core offerings include online courses (R$69-R$102) covering exercise physiology, physical assessment, hypertension, child and elderly populations, and physical activity measurement; published books on sports science, aging, and obesity; scientific update micro-content (free to R$25); and the annual Simpósio Internacional de Ciências do Esporte, the largest sports science event in Latin America. Underlying intellectual property includes the CELAFISCS Physical Fitness Test Battery, integrated accelerometry/pedometry/IPAQ measurement protocols, and the 40+ year Ilhabela Longitudinal Mixed Growth and Development Study dataset.

CELAFISCS operates a community-led and event-driven go-to-market model: a small team of 11-50 employees generates revenue through unit-priced digital and in-person courses, symposium registrations, and book sales distributed via the celafiscs.org.br website store, while institutional reach is amplified through partnerships with the São Paulo State Health Secretariat, USCS, WHO, PAHO, ACSM, ISPAH, ICSSPE, RAFA-PANA, and Agita Mundo, with the Agita São Paulo methodology replicated across 29 countries.

Name

CELAFISCS

Legal name

Centro de Estudos do Laboratório de Aptidão Física de São Caetano do Sul

Website

https://celafiscs.org.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CELAFISCS is a Brazilian non-profit sports science research and education center (founded 1974) that delivers online courses, books, scientific updates, and an annual international symposium for health professionals, while coordinating public physical activity programs replicated across 29 countries via the Agita São Paulo and RAFA-PANA networks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Science Education and Research

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDALAIAI

Strength & Conditioning / Performance Training

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Athletics, Recreation & Fitness

SECONDARYEDALAIAH

Sports Medicine, Athletic Training & Rehabilitation Services

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Athletics, Recreation & Fitness

Keywords

• Sports science research
• Physical fitness education
• Exercise physiology training
• Public health promotion
• Sports science symposium

Headquarters

HQ city

São Caetano Do Sul

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Online and In-Person Courses: CELAFISCS sells online courses (e.g., R$69 for courses on physical activity and the heart, R$102 for physiology and physical assessment courses) and in-person courses including a graduate program in partnership with USCS. These constitute the primary revenue-generating educational offerings.
2. Events and Symposium Registrations: The annual Simpósio Internacional de Ciências do Esporte charges registration fees (R$69.90–R$79.90 for the 2026 edition) for participation, including access to free papers, presentations, and specialized sessions.
3. Book Sales: CELAFISCS publishes and sells books on sports science, aging, physical activity, and obesity through its website, priced from R$25 to R$58. Titles include 'Actividad Física y Obesidad', 'Teste em Ciências do Esporte', 'Envelhecimento Exercício e Saúde', and 'Avaliação do Idoso'.
4. Graduate Program (USCS/CELAFISCS): A postgraduate program offered in partnership with Universidade São Caetano do Sul (USCS), providing revenue through tuition for specialized academic education in sports science.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CELAFISCS is a non-profit sports science research and education center that develops physical activity measurement methodologies (accelerometry, pedometry, IPAQ, fitness test batteries), delivers professional online and in-person courses in exercise physiology and physical assessment, hosts Latin America's largest international sports science symposium, publishes scientific books and updates, and coordinates the Agita São Paulo public health program replicated in 29 countries.

Product overview

CELAFISCS (Centro de Estudos do Laboratório de Aptidão Física de São Caetano do Sul) is a research and education institution focused on physical activity and sports science. The organization offers a diverse portfolio including online courses (such as Curso Atividade Física e o Coração, Curso Fisiologia do Exercício, Curso Avaliação Física, and specialized courses for elderly), scientific updates covering topics from cardiovascular health to exercise recommendations, published books including the 50-year anniversary children's series O Desafio do Agito and technical books on sports testing, the international Simpósio CELAFISCS conference, the CELAFLix video content platform, and programs like Programa Agita São Paulo and the Researcher Training Program. The organization also publishes the Manifesto da Atividade Física Pós COVID-19 and provides scientific updates on topics ranging from sedentary behavior to interval training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Agita São Paulo: Physical activity promotion program launched in 1996 to study and monitor physical fitness of schoolchildren in low socioeconomic areas of São Paulo state.
• Agita Galera
• Agita Idoso
• Celaflix
• Simpósio CELAFISCS

Products and services

• Curso Atividade Física e o Coração Online course discussing current evidence on the benefits of physical activity for the cardiovascular system, including cardiac events, sudden death, and SARS-CoV-2 effects on the heart, priced at R$69.
• Curso Fisiologia do Exercício
• Curso Medidas do Nível de Atividade Física
• Curso Atividade Física e a Criança
• Curso Avaliação Física
• Curso Hipertensão e Atividade Física
• Curso Atividade Física em Idosos
• Curso Avaliação Física e Funcional do Idoso
• Simpósio Internacional de Ciências do Esporte (Simpósio CELAFISCS) International Symposium on Sports Sciences, the largest scientific education event in Latin America in Sports Sciences, Physical Activity and Health, held annually with paid registration (R$69.90 early bird / R$79.90 standard for 2026).
• Manifesto da Atividade Física Pós COVID-19

Quantifiable outcome

• Agita São Paulo program replicated in 29 countries, reaching millions across Latin America
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• World Health Organization (OMS/WHO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021CELAFISCS collaborated with WHO in the development of the Manifesto da Atividade Física Pós COVID-19, which was presented by the WHO representative Fiona Bull at the Agita Mundo Forum 2020. The Manifesto was developed in alignment with WHO global physical activity guidelines and recommendations.
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021PAHO participated in the Manifesto development process, with Miguel Malo contributing to the Agita Mundo Forum 2020. The Manifesto aligns with PAHO's regional physical activity promotion strategies.
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021ACSM, represented by Kristin Belleson, contributed to the Agita Mundo Forum 2020 that fed into the Manifesto. CELAFISCS has a longstanding relationship with ACSM, with Dr. Victor Matsudo's work recognized in ACSM circles, and James S. Skinner serving as ACSM President.
• International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021ISPAH, represented by Vicki Lambert, participated in the Agita Mundo Forum 2020 contributing to the Manifesto. ISPAH and CELAFISCS share the mission of promoting physical activity globally.
• ICSSPE (International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021ICSSPE, represented by Detlef Dumon, contributed to the Agita Mundo Forum 2020. ICSSPE is a key international partner in the global physical activity promotion ecosystem.
• RAFA-PANA (Rede de Atividade Física das Américas)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021RAFA-PANA is the core international network for physical activity promotion in the Americas, co-founded and led by CELAFISCS (Dr. Victor Matsudo as founding president, now President Emeritus; Dr. Oscar Incarbone as current president). CELAFISCS coordinates the Agita São Paulo program within this network, reaching 29 countries. Prof. Luis Carlos de Oliveira serves on the RAFA-PANA Executive Committee.
• Agita Mundo NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021The global physical activity promotion network co-founded by CELAFISCS, with Wendy Brown representing Agita Mundo at the Forum 2020. Agita Mundo coordinates global physical activity initiatives including the International Physical Activity Day (April 6).
• Universidade São Caetano do Sul (USCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCELAFISCS is headquartered at USCS Campus Barcelona and co-delivers a postgraduate program (Pós-graduação USCS/CELAFISCS). USCS provides academic infrastructure and accreditation for CELAFISCS educational programs.
• e-Museu do EsportecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe e-Museu do Esporte is a key partner for CELAFISCS' digital content initiatives. The Manifesto VideoCast series (13 episodes) and the 'O Desafio do Agito' children's book series are produced in partnership with the e-Museu. The e-Museu also hosts the digital archive of CELAFISCS symposium proceedings.
• Gobierno del Estado de São Paulo / Programa Agita São PaulocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe São Paulo State Health Secretariat operates the Agita São Paulo program, coordinated by CELAFISCS since 1996. The program promotes physical activity across municipalities, schools, and workplaces in São Paulo state, with activities including the Boas Práticas annual publication.
• ABQV (Associação Brasileira de Qualidade de Vida)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerABQV participated in the Manifesto development process as a contributor to the post-COVID physical activity promotion initiative.
• ABGL (Associação Brasileira de Ginástica Laboral)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerABGL participated in the Manifesto development. Valquíria de Lima, a CELAFISCS researcher, is the founding Vice-President of ABGL.
• CEV (Centro de Estudos da Violência)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEV assisted CELAFISCS in registering 3,450 research works from 50 years of symposium proceedings, creating a searchable archive with author links.
• Sociedade Brasileira de Atividade Física e Saúde (SBAFS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAFS awarded the Prêmio Markus Vinícius Nahas 2024 to CELAFISCS committee members and published CELAFISCS research in the Revista Brasileira de Atividade Física e Saúde (RBAFS).
• Comitê Olímpico Argentino (COA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCELAFISCS participated in the official presentation of the 'Manual Diretor de Atividade Física e Esporte: Para uma vida ativa e saudável' at the Argentine Olympic Committee. Dr. Victor Matsudo provided an international perspective on sedentarism and RAFA-PANA contributed academic support.
• YMCA / Instituto Universitário YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCELAFISCS collaborates with the YMCA network in Latin America through RAFA-PANA. Dr. Oscar Incarbone, current RAFA-PANA president, is rector of Instituto Universitário YMCA. The organizations co-host the Congreso International de Educación Física y Ciencias Aplicadas.
• Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUFJF hosts the IV Simpósio Internacional de Inclusão e Acessibilidade no Ensino (NGIME), where CELAFISCS participated in the launch of books and awarding of the NGIME prize for inclusive practices.
• Universidade de Guanajuato (México)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCELAFISCS maintains cooperation with the Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico, including joint research on physical activity and COVID-19 with Dr. Katya Vargas. Dr. Victor Matsudo gave lectures at the university and served on a doctoral defense committee.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science professional organization globally, offering certifications, peer-reviewed publications, and continuing education directly comparable to CELAFISCS. CELAFISCS has a longstanding ACSM partnership — Dr. James Skinner served as ACSM President and the organizations co-developed the Manifesto.
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): NSCA is a major international strength and conditioning professional association offering CSCS/NSCA-CPT certifications and continuing education in performance training, closely aligned with CELAFISCS's exercise physiology and physical assessment curriculum.
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): NASM is a leading U.S.-based certification body for personal trainers and sports performance professionals, offering courses and continuing education in exercise physiology and fitness assessment comparable in scope and audience to CELAFISCS's offerings.
• Cooper Institute: The Cooper Institute is a U.S. non-profit research and education organization focused on exercise science and preventive medicine, best known for the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. It represents the closest non-profit operating model comparable to CELAFISCS in sports science research and continuing professional education.

Regional players

• UKK Institute: The UKK Institute is a Finnish research and development center focused on health-enhancing physical activity and fitness testing. Both organizations develop physical fitness test batteries, conduct longitudinal research on physical activity, and translate findings into professional education programs.
• Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA): ESSA is the national professional association for exercise and sports science in Australia, offering certifications and continuing education for exercise physiologists and sports scientists. It is a regional equivalent to CELAFISCS operating in the Australia/New Zealand market.

Broad incumbents

• Pennington Biomedical Research Center: Pennington Biomedical is a major U.S. research institution studying nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease prevention. While broader in scope, it shares the non-profit academic research model and focus on physical activity interventions, making it a comparable incumbent in the broader space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/celafiscs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/celafiscs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CELAFISCS