Physical Education Classes and Health Outcomes among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Diogo Henrique Constantino Coledam — 2025-04-16

Background: The aim of the current study was to examine the association between physical education classes (PE) and health outcomes. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out with studies identified in seven databases. The eligibility criteria included an observational design, objective or self-reported measure of PE exposure (i.e., participation or frequency in classes) and any health outcome. The synthesis of data was performed by clustering studies according to the direction of association between PE classes and each outcome, classified as beneficial, no effect, inconclusive, or harmful. Results: A total of 6,102 studies were screened, of which 99 were included, with 2,717,508 participants and 22 groups of outcomes. The results revealed a beneficial effect of PE on physical activity (74%), mental health (69%), physical fitness (80%), sports practice (80%), self-rated health (75%) and smoking (60% of studies). No effect was found for the association between PE and alcohol consumption. Inconclusive results emerged from studies that analyzed body fat indicators, sedentary behavior, academic achievement, and the other 12 outcomes. Conclusions: PE as offered in schools, provides health benefits regarding physical activity, mental health, physical fitness, sports practice, self-rated health, and smoking, in addition to the pedagogical aims of the discipline.

International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports

Physical Education Classes and Health Outcomes among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies