Investigating the Role of Physical Education in Physical Activity Promotion: An Italian Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND: Physical education (PE) can be considered an instrument for active lifestyle promotion, and PE teachers can motivate youths to continue their studies in the field of Movement Sciences (MS). METHODS: To evaluate the role of PE in higher secondary school in promoting physical activity (PA) and MS career, previous PE experiences and current PA practice were investigated in a sample of Italian freshmen enrolled in different university degree courses. RESULTS: A total of 7,033 questionnaires were completed by students from 14 universities (41.3% males, mean age 20±2.76). Recreation seems to be the principal aim (42.2%) pursued during PE lessons, which are based mainly on practical activities (51.7%). 67.2% of respondents were satisfied with the PE received during higher secondary school and 51.6% participated in extra-curricular PA. Current practice of PA was reported by 58.1% of the sample. Extracurricular activities were associated with choice of MS curricula (OR 2.15, IC95% 1.85-2.50) and with current practice of PA (OR 1.68, IC95% 1.51-1.87). Geographical differences concerning lessons organization and satisfaction were registered (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: To enhance its role in health promotion, PE teaching should be improved by increasing the time allocated to PE and by strengthening the provision of school-based extra-curricular PA.