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 careers, 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 7033 questionnaires were completed by students from 14 universities (41.3% males, mean age 20 +/- 2.76 years). Recreation seemed to be the principal aim (42.2%) pursued during PE lessons, which are based mainly on practical activities (51.7%). Of all respondents, 67.2% were satisfied with the PE received during higher secondary school, and 51.6% participated in extracurricular PA. Current practice of PA was reported by 58.1% of the sample. Extracurricular activities were associated with choice of MS curricula (odds ratio: 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-2.50) and with current practice of PA (odds ratio: 1.68, 95% confidence interval, 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 extracurricular PA.