Physical education and health enhancing physical activity – a European perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-51
Author(s):  
Petr Vlček ◽  
Richard Bailey ◽  
Jana Vašíčková ◽  
Claude Scheuer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Education And Health ◽  
School Based ◽  
Curriculum Framework ◽  
Prerequisite Knowledge ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity ◽  
Recommended Guidelines

This article reviews recent literature on the contribution of curriculum physical education to health-enhancing physical activity within the context of European countries. Recommended goals for student physical activity are discussed within a curriculum framework based on five ‘forms’ (concept, designed, implemented, results and effects). The study used a 'rapid reviewing' method, in which sources were identified and analysed using systematic reviewing techniques, but subsequent stages were adapted to facilitate flexible and practical interpretation. Results show that physical education lessons tend not to reach a putative 50% threshold of moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Given that the average time allocated for physical education in Europe is 100 minutes per week, strategies are needed to increase the intensity and duration of physical activity in lessons if they are to make a more meaningful ‘direct’ contribution to the European and WHO daily target of sixty minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The authors therefore consider the plausibility of introducing an 'Active Schools' concept, in which physical education lessons designed to equip students with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values supportive of a physically active lifestyle are augmented by other school-based contexts which provide the opportunity to actually meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity participation.

Children’s Heart Rates during Physical Education Lessons: A Review

1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Stratton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Educators ◽  
Vigorous Activity ◽  
Education Curriculum ◽  
Maximum Heart Rate ◽  
Physically Active

Physical educators have purported to teach children to be physically active and to promote their fitness. To achieve these goals, children should regularly experience moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during physical education lessons. For the purposes of this review, moderate physical activity is that which elicits a heart rate of 50% of maximum heart rate reserve (MHRR), moderate-to-vigorous activity elicits 60% of MHRR, and vigorous activity elicits 75% of MHRR. Duration criteria were set at 50% of lesson time or 20 min. The majority of lessons described in previous reports failed to achieve these criteria, although problems were noted in method and analyses of data. Lessons with physical activity as a direct goal have been successful in increasing MVPA. A greater focus on physical activity is required in the planning and delivery of physical education lessons if the physical activity and fitness goals of the physical education curriculum are to be met.

Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity During Physical Education, Recess, and Class Time Among Elementary School Children in Qatar

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Lena Zimmo ◽  
Fuad Almudahka ◽  
Izzeldin Ibrahim ◽  
Mohamed G. Al-kuwari ◽  
Abdulaziz Farooq
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
School Children ◽  
Elementary School Children ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Class Time ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Day

Purpose: Schools provide opportunities for children to accumulate recommended daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). This study aimed to determine physical activity (PA) across the school day among elementary school children in Qatar. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 181 Grade 1 (5.8 ± 0.4 years) and Grade 4 (9.0 ± 0.5 years) children. Participants wore wrist-based accelerometers for 5 days to assess school-based PA. MVPA during physical education, recess, and class time were compared across sex, grade, and body mass index using general linear models. Results: Only 39.0% of this cohort met the recommended 30 min of MVPA during school hours. Fewer girls (23.2%) than boys (58.1%) achieved the school-based PA guidelines (p < .001). The children engaged in 19.0 ± 12.3%, 19.3 ± 8.6%, and 6.2 ± 3.4% of the designated physical education, recess, and class time in MVPA, respectively. Conclusion: Elementary school children in Qatar engage in inadequate MVPA during the school day, especially girls. Enhancing PA opportunities during physical education and recess is crucial.

scholarly journals Proposal for an Enhanced Physical Education Program in the Primary School: Evaluation of Feasibility and Effectiveness in Improving Physical Skills and Fitness

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1025-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Dallolio ◽  
Andrea Ceciliani ◽  
Tiziana Sanna ◽  
Andrea Garulli ◽  
Erica Leoni
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Based ◽  
Experimental Group

Background:A large proportion of children do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity for health. A quasiexperimental study with nonrandom assignment was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a school-based physical education intervention aimed at increasing the levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).Methods:Ten classes from 4 primary schools, including 241 children aged 8 to 10 years, were recruited. The experimental group (n = 97) received 4 additional sessions/week of 60 minutes of MVPA for 8 months. The control group (n = 135) continued their standard program (2 sessions of 50 minutes/week). Motor abilities (standing long jump, handgrip strength, Harre circuit, sit and reach), physical fitness (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level-1), anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist to height ratio), and self-efficacy (Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children) were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention.Results:The experimental group significantly improved in the Harre circuit both in males (P < .001) and females (P < .01), whereas physical fitness test improved only in males (P < .001). Males in the experimental group improved the perception of self-efficacy in coordinative abilities (P = .017).Conclusions:The proposed school-based MVPA program showed effectiveness and feasibility. The differences observed by gender highlight the need to use different strategies to increase the involvement of all the participants.

Accelerometer-determined physical activity of children during segmented school days: The Shanghai perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 816-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijuan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Lunch Break ◽  
Grade Level Differences ◽  
Objectively Measured

The two types of school days that are followed in China are physical education and physical exercise days. This study objectively measured the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of children during the recess, lunch break, leisure time, physical education and physical exercise segments of the physical education and physical exercise days. Moreover, this research compared the gender and grade-level differences in MVPA during each segment. A total of 316 children aged 6–13 years (M = 9.28, SD = 1.87) in Grades One to Five from three elementary schools participated in this study. Accelerometers were utilised to measure the MVPA of children. The participants accumulated the most MVPA time during physical education classes, whereas the least MVPA time was recorded during lunch break. The boys were significantly more physically active than girls during recess ( F (1, 316) = 4.449, p = 0.037, η2 = 0.030), lunch break ( F (1, 316) = 4.525, p = 0.035, η2 = 0.030) and leisure time ( F (1, 316) = 4.795, p = 0.030, η2 = 0.032) on physical education days, and during recess ( F (1, 316) = 5.968, p = 0.017, η2 = 0.079) and leisure time ( F (1, 316) = 5.246, p = 0.025, η2 = 0.070) on physical exercise days. Significant grade-level differences in the MVPA time were observed during recess ( F (2, 316) = 20.209, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.219) on physical education days and during physical exercise classes ( F (2, 316) = 3.662, p = 0.031, η2 = 0.095) and recess ( F (2, 316) = 4.326, p = 0.017, η2 = 0.110) on physical exercise days. Children in Grades Two and Three engaged in the most MVPA time during the majority of segments. In conclusion, physical activity interventions during less structured or unstructured segments are recommended. Special attention should likewise be provided to girls and children in Grades One, Four and Five to increase their MVPA.

scholarly journals A Social Cognitive Perspective of Physical Activity Related Behavior in Physical Education

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Martin ◽  
Pamela H. Kulinna
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Class Time ◽  
Attitudes Toward Teaching ◽  
Teachers Attitudes

The purpose of the current study was to examine student and teacher physical activity-related behavior using the theory of planned behavior and self-efficacy theory. Although teachers reported an overwhelmingly positive attitude toward teaching physical activity lessons to promote fitness development, they only devoted 4% of their class time to actually demonstrating and promoting fitness. Students were quite sedentary during class spending 61% of class time sitting, standing or lying down. Using hierarchical regression analyses, teachers’ attitudes toward teaching physically active physical education classes accounted for 50% of the variance in teachers’ intention. Teachers who demonstrated/promoted fitness and who limited their general instruction and management of students were more likely to have students involved in moderate to vigorous physical activity than teachers who spent less time demonstrating/promoting fitness and more time in general instruction and management.

scholarly journals Educación Física en Chile: tiempo de dedicación y su influencia en la condición física, composición corporal y nivel de actividad física en escolares (Physical Education in Chile: time spent and its influence on physical condition, body composition, and l

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Frano Giakoni ◽  
Pablo Paredes Bettancourt ◽  
Daniel Duclos-Bastías
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Light Physical Activity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Las Mujeres

Resumen. Las clases de Educación Física constituyen un espacio de aprendizaje motriz y una instancia idónea para mantener y mejorar el estado de la salud física de los estudiantes escolares. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia que tiene el volumen de clases: dos o cuatro horas de Educación Física semanal, sobre la composición corporal, la condición física y nivel de actividad física en escolares chilenos. Método: Se evaluaron 244 estudiantes escolares de 13.11 ± .84 años de edad. Se midieron variables antropométricas, condición física y nivel de actividad física durante la clase de Educación Física. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para composición corporal (peso p = .0367), condición física (VO2máx p<.0001, dinamometría p = .0165) y nivel de actividad física (p<.0001). Según sexo se determinan diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres para las variables de condición física (VO2máx p<.0001, salto horizontal p<.0001 y dinamometría p<.0002) y tiempo en actividad física sedentaria (p = .0403) y ligera (p<.0001). Conclusión: El peso, VO2máx y el nivel de actividad física moderado y moderada - vigorosa, se ven modificados positivamente al realizar cuatro horas. Además, se concluye que los hombres son más activos físicamente que las mujeres y presentan mejor condición física. Los hombres y mujeres que presentan mayores valores de IMC y IMCZ-score, poseen una condición física inferior. Abstract. Physical education classes are an ideal instance to maintain and improve students’ health status. However, it is necessary to know the differences in the number of hours scheduled. Objective: To determine the influence that the allocation of two or four hours of Physical Education per week has on body composition, physical condition, and level of physical activity in schoolchildren. Method: a total of 244 students of 13.11 ± .84 years of age were evaluated. Anthropometric variables, physical condition, and level of physical activity were measured during Physical Education classes. Results: Significant differences were found for body composition (weight p = .0367), physical condition (VO2máx p<.0001, dynamometry p = .0165) and level of physical activity (p<.0001). Based on gender, significant differences between boys and girls were detected in the physical fitness variables (VO2max p<.0001, horizontal jump p<.0001, and dynamometry p<.0002) and in time in sedentary (p = .0403) and light physical activity (p<.0001). Conclusion: Weight, VO2max, and levels of moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are positively modified when performing four hours. In addition, it is concluded that boys are more physically active than girls and have a better physical condition. Boys and girls with higher BMI and BMIZ-score values have lower physical condition.

An Exploration of Children’s Perceptions and Enjoyment of School-Based Physical Activity and Physical Education

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 645-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maura Coulter ◽  
Catherine B. Woods
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Free Play ◽  
After School ◽  
Active Commuting ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Play Activity ◽  
School Based

Background:The promotion of physical activity among young children has become a universal challenge. Children spend large amounts of time in school, making it an attractive setting in which to promote positive health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to investigate school-based physical activity behavior and its determinants in young Irish children.Methods:Participants self-reported school-based free-play activity, commuting to school behavior, and levels of enjoyment of physical education and physical activity.Results:Data were collected from 605 children, mean age was 8.8 years (±2.2; range 5−14 years), 44% were female. Thirty-nine percent of children actively commuted to school, with 40% of males compared with 34.8% of females walking to school. Boys reported more physically active free-play activity (88.6% at break and 90.9% at lunch time) compared with girls (70.8% and 83.7% respectively). Physical education was a top 3 favorite subject for 78% of children and 50.7% reported they would prefer to take part in more active pastimes directly after school.Conclusions:Strategies for increasing active commuting are required. Boys and girls are more alike than unlike in their behaviors and attitudes. Teachers should capitalize on the fact that children’s favorite subject is physical education to promote physical activity.

Physical Activity Levels in Middle and High School Physical Education: A Review

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Fairclough ◽  
Gareth Stratton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Class Time ◽  
School Based ◽  
High School Physical Education ◽  
Movement Activities

Forty studies reporting physical activity during middle and high school physical education (PE) classes were reviewed. Students engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for 27% to 47% of class time. Intervention strategies were successful in increasing MVPA. During nonintervention classes the highest levels of MVPA occurred in invasion games and fitness activities. Movement activities stimulated the lowest levels. Boys and girls spent 40% of class time in MVPA. Differences in MVPA during PE were also methodology dependent. PE classes can complement other school-based opportunities to contribute to young people’s daily physical activity.

scholarly journals Effects of School-Based Physical Activity Program on Students’ Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Perceptions of Physical Competence

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 455-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arto Gråstén ◽  
Anthony Watt ◽  
Jarmo Liukkonen ◽  
Timo Jaakkola
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Competence ◽  
North East ◽  
School Based

Background:The study examined the effects of school-based program on students’ self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity and physical competence, and associated links to gender, grade, body mass index, and physical education assessments.Methods:Participants were 240 middle school students (143 intervention, 97 control) from 3 small cities in North-East Finland. The intervention group received task-involving climate support in physical education classes and additional physical activities during school days across 1 year.Results:The intervention group’s physical competence increased, whereas the control group’s competence remained stable across the period. However, physical activity levels were stable in both groups. The findings also showed that body mass index was negatively associated with physical competence and activity in the intervention group at the follow-up measure. Physical education assessments were positively related with only the baseline scores of physical competence in the intervention group. In contrast, the assessments had positive relationships with physical competence and activity of control group students.Conclusions:The present program was an effective protocol to increase student’s perceptions of physical competence. Since the quantity of school physical education including recess activities cannot be dramatically increased, positive learning experiences should be provided, and thus, support perceptions of physical competence.

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