Compatibility of Existing Physical Education Model with Enhancing Muscular Strength in School Children: A Public Health Perspective
Author(s): Ramesh Kumar, Kuldeep Nara
Abstract:
Background and Study Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the physical education (PE) curriculum on the muscular strength of school children in India, with a particular focus on how the number of PE teachers and the duration of physical activity influence grip strength, an indicator of overall muscular strength.
Material and Methods: The study involved a sample of 1000 students (500 boys and 500 girls) aged 12 to 16 years from various schools in India. Dominant hand grip strength was measured using a CAMRY Digital Hand Dynamometer, and reference values were established for different age groups. Data on the number of PE teachers, total number of teachers, and student enrolment in physical education were collected from school records. Statistical analyses, including Two-Way MANOVA, were conducted to determine the effects of age, sex, the number of PE teachers, and physical activity duration on grip strength. Additionally, an adjacency network plot was used to display correlations among the selected variables.
Results: Grip strength increased with age for both boys and girls, with boys consistently showing higher values. The data revealed that schools with more PE teachers had significantly higher grip strength, with those having five PE teachers reporting the highest average strength (28.86 kg) and those with no PE teachers the lowest (20.07 kg). The two-way MANOVA showed significant effects of age (F = 61.509, p < .001), sex (F = 141.781, p < .001), number of PE teachers (F = 9.460, p < .001), and physical activity duration (F = 3.306, p = .020) on grip strength. Interaction effects between age and sex were significant (F = 17.139, p < .001), indicating differential development patterns. The adjacency network plot further supported these findings by showing positive correlations among PE teacher numbers, physical activity duration, and grip strength.
Conclusions: The findings reveal that students who actively engaged in physical education classes exhibited greater muscular strength. However, the study also underscores that the curriculum success depends on its proper implementation, highlighting the necessity of adequate staffing and sufficient time allocated for physical activities to maximize benefits for student health and fitness. Overall, the study advocates for prioritizing physical education in schools as a crucial measure for improving childrens muscular strength and advancing public health.
Page 1-11 -
Viewed 51 -
Downloaded 6
How to cite this article:
Ramesh Kumar, Kuldeep Nara (2025). Compatibility of Existing Physical Education Model with Enhancing Muscular Strength in School Children: A Public Health Perspective. The Scholars Time. A Multidisciplinary Journal of Research and Development. 01(01).pp:1-11