Enhancing high school students’ engagement in physical activity through a fitness education model in physical education

Abstract

As children mature, their participation in physical activity often declines, resulting in lower overall activity levels. Although physical education is a mandatory component of the curriculum, students' active involvement is frequently limited in actual school environments. To foster health resilience, physical education must emphasize the promotion of an active lifestyle both within and beyond school settings. This study aims to analyze students' engagement in a physical activity programme based on a fitness education model, with a particular focus on encouraging positive involvement in physical activity. Sixty-one twelfth-grade students from three classes at a secondary school participated in the programme during the entire school year. The fitness education model fromMcConnell (2010), with six arising steps, was rearranged into four distinct cycles, based on five healthrelated fitness dimensions (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition). Data collection methods included students’ worksheets, focus groups, individual interviews, researcher field notes, participant observation, and fitness testing. Data analysis employed deductive-inductive thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive and inferential analysis for quantitative data. The results were organised into three main themes: 1) students’ engagement and commitment, 2) students’ challenges and dilemmas, and 3) benefits and students’ voices about the experience, with a sub-theme regarding physical fitness. They indicated improvement in students' engagement, involvement, and commitment with the activities, along with their autonomy, teamwork and health-behaviour knowledge for future life. Although initial gains in physical fitness levels were observed, the cycle focused on planning their own fitness plans emerged as the one that most engaged the students. In conclusion, the findings suggest that a well-structured physical activity programme in physical education can boost student engagement, involvement, and fitness levels with as little as two physical education classes per week. This underscores the potential of equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to maintain an active lifestyle in future life.