Evaluating the impact of Physical Education on sedentary lifestyles in Indonesian students

Abstract

Introduction: Sedentary behavior among Indonesian adolescents necessitates effective physical education to enhance health outcomes. Objective: This study examined the correlation between physical education engagement and sedentary behavior in North Sumatra high school students, while evaluating physical fitness, PE characteristics, gender disparities, and devising evidence-based improvement strategies for PE. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative analysis involving 327 students aged 15-18 from 12 North Sumatra high schools was performed, utilizing the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, fitness assessments, and classroom observations, alongside various statistical techniques. Results: Approximately 46.8% of students displayed inadequate physical activity, averaging 8.5 hours of sedentary behavior daily, with only 26.9% adhering to WHO guidelines, revealing notable gender differences (females: 23.3% vs. males: 30.4%). During PE classes, students experienced 45% sedentary behavior and merely 4% vigorous activity, with regression analysis indicating that additional PE sessions reduced sedentary time by 42.6 minutes daily. Discussion: Existing PE practices inadequately address health requirements, underscoring the pressing need for reform to enhance student participation in PE through innovative strategies. Conclusions: The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of sedentary behavior and limited PE involvement among secondary school students in North Sumatra.