Examining the Role of Physical Activity Intensity and Volume Across the Lifespan in Improving Sport Performance and Physical Fitness Among Physical Education Teachers
Keywords:
physical fitness, body composition, lifelong physical activity, vigorous physical activity, sport performance, physical education teachersAbstract
Lifelong regular physical activity plays a critical and pivotal role in health and physical performance—a role that becomes even more significant for physical education teachers, who serve as behavioral role models and key agents in promoting an active lifestyle. However, few studies have investigated the effects of physical activity intensity and volume on the sport performance and physical fitness of this occupational group. The present study aimed to examine the role of lifelong and current physical activity intensity and volume in sport performance and physical fitness among male physical education teachers in Khuzestan Province. This cross-sectional study included 105 male teachers (mean age = 38.76 ± 7.12 years) selected through multistage cluster sampling. Lifelong and current physical activity were assessed using the HLAQ and IPAQ questionnaires, respectively; body composition was assessed using body mass index (BMI), and sport performance and physical fitness were evaluated using skill-based, circuit-based, and aerobic tests. Vigorous lifelong physical activity showed stronger correlations with sport skills (r = 0.46), circuit performance (r = 0.60), and overall performance (r = 0.55) than moderate or current activity (p < .05). Teachers with normal weight and younger age had better performance. Vigorous physical activity, age, and BMI predicted 51%, 28%, and 53% of overall, skill-based, and circuit-based performance, respectively. Vigorous and sustained physical activity across the lifespan, combined with optimal body composition, plays a key role in improving sport performance and physical fitness among physical education teachers. Targeted intervention programs to promote vigorous activity and weight management are recommended.
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