Integrating health physical activities into primary education: A study of South Bohemian elementary schools

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency and methods of integrating elements of Health Physical Education into the curriculum in South Bohemian primary schools. This study builds on contemporary research findings indicating that the Czech School Inspectorate (CSI) strongly recommends increasing physical activity in elementary school curricula alongside conventional Physical Education (PE) through Health Physical Education (HPE) programs. The allocation of HPE funds is recommended for the mitigation of functional disorders of the locomotor system, in addition to the promotion of associated benefits derived from physical activity. Methodology: As part of the quantitative investigation, a self-constructed questionnaire with 22 questions was distributed to the management of 250 elementary schools in the South Bohemian Region with a request to forward it to 1st grade teachers. The questionnaire included closed-ended, semi-closed, and open-ended questions focusing on the use of HPE elements in PE lessons and in other subjects. A total of 92 teachers completed the questionnaire. Results: The results of the questionnaire survey revealed that 32.6% of teaching professionals in the South Bohemian Region engage in corrective exercise on a regular basis, including stretching and strengthening activities, on a daily basis. The survey further revealed that only 29.3% of teaching professionals incorporate physical education moments into their lessons on a daily basis. Additionally, it was observed that three-quarters of teaching professionals utilize movement to facilitate learning during mathematics or Czech language lessons.