Physical Education Classes: Beyond Enhancing Physical Fitness, Analyzing Effects on Children’s Daily Physical Activity

Background: Physical education classes are widely acknowledged as crucial for promoting physical activity and health among children and adolescents, especially considering that in several countries, school-based classes remain the primary place for engaging youths in physical activity. Purpose: This pilot study aimed to test a physical education intervention program on physical activity levels and physical fitness in a sample of school-age children. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 50 children (34 in the experimental group and 16 in the comparative group) aged between 6 and 11 years old (Mean = 8.28 years). A 21-week intervention was implemented in physical education classes, consisting of high-intensity and physical fitness-focused exercises, in addition to a once-a-month extra class nutritional education. The following variables were evaluated before and post-intervention: physical fitness, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MVA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Propensity score analyses calculated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) within a quasi-experimental framework. Results: Physical fitness variables improved after the intervention, specifically for cardiorespiratory fitness, agility, and speed. There was a decrease in the time spent in MVPA and VPA for physical activity levels, while an increase in LPA was observed. Conclusion: The intervention program showed preliminary effectiveness in improving physical fitness and LPA of children, but not sedentary behavior nor the physical activity of higher intensities. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the impact of physical education classes on overall physical activity levels. Practical implications: Physical education classes play a crucial role in enhancing physical fitness from childhood through adolescence, significantly contributing to health promotion. These findings should be regarded as essential elements in public health policies.
Fundings: Capes- Brazil; CNPq – Brazil