articles about physical education and health

Health and physical education includes subjects such as sport science, health studies, athlete development, food and nutrition, outdoor and environmental studies, and sport and recreation.

The time children and adults all over the world spend engaging in physical activity is decreasing with dire consequences on their health, life expectancy, and ability to perform in the classroom, in society and at work.

Physical activity has many well-established mental health benefits that include improved brain health and cognitive function, a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall quality of life.

The important role that PE has in promoting health-enhancing physical activity is exemplified in the US ‘Health of the Nation’ targets. These include three PE-associated objectives, two of which relate to increasing the number of schools providing and students participating in daily PE classes.

The positive and protective effects of physical activity (PA), such as enhanced physical health, psychological well-being, increased concentration, academic performance, and reduced feelings of depression and anxiety, have been well documented in earlier studies [ 1, 2, 3 ].

Benefits of School-Based Physical Activity. A CSPAP can increase physical activity opportunities before, during, and after school. This graphic explains how 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can benefit a student’s health and directly impact teachers and the community.

In the Norwegian curriculum for physical education (PE), health is one of several topics students should learn about. However, the way in which many educators conceptualize health can impact both what students learn and how health is taught in PE.

Attending physical education classes was positively associated with physical activity among adolescents regardless of sex or age group.

Physical education provides life skills that encourage students to be active and fit for life. It has a positive impact on students’ physical, mental, and emotional health.

The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance recently completed research on physical education attendance and policies/practices supporting quality physical education. Key findings and recommendations are presented in this blog post.