An empirical study on the impact of curriculum reform in physical education on students’ physical health and exercise habits

This study investigated the impact of a reformed physical education (PE) curriculum on middle school students’ physical health and exercise habits in Beijing, China. Using a quasi-experimental design, 1187 students were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The reformed curriculum, featuring student-centered learning and technology-enhanced instruction, led to significant improvements in physical health indicators such as BMI, cardiovascular fitness, and muscular strength. Additionally, the proportion of students meeting WHO physical activity guidelines increased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group, alongside notable improvements in exercise frequency, duration, and intrinsic motivation. By addressing both physical health outcomes and behavioral changes, this study highlights the effectiveness of a comprehensive and contextually tailored PE curriculum. These findings contribute new evidence to the limited body of research on PE reforms in China and offer actionable insights for developing strategies to promote active lifestyles and overall well-being among adolescents.