Differences between student outcomes in high school physical education: Fitness education curriculum vs. sport-based curriculum

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two physical education curricula; fitness education curriculum (FEC) vs. sport-based curriculum (SBC), on Midwest U.S. high school student’s (n = 294): (a) PA behavior; (b) Autonomy; (c) Perceived competence; and (d) Health-related fitness knowledge. Students participating in the FEC demonstrated significantly greater improvement than the SBC in five of seven measures; perceived health rating (p = .021, η² = .018), muscle-strengthening exercise habits (p = .004, η² = .028), exercise autonomy (p = .042, η² = .016), self-determination (p = .040, η² = .017), and health-related fitness knowledge (p = .005, η² = .042). This research provides preliminary support for a change from the traditional sport-based curriculum to a fitness education curriculum to provide students with appropriate physical education programs to induce behavioral change for lifetime fitness and health.