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The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of adults with visual impairments regarding fitness testing during their integrated physical education experiences. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used and 11 adults (ages 20–35 years) with visual impairments acted as participants. The primary sources of data were semi-structured audiotaped telephone interviews and reflective interview notes. Thematic development was undertaken using a three-step analytical process. Based on the data analysis, the following three interrelated themes were constructed from the data: (a) 'decent at sit-ups, but the others were embarrassing': mixed feelings about performance; (b) 'I couldn't reach my full potential': forced exclusion/inclusion; and (c) 'I felt like a museum exhibit': navigating unwanted social attention. These themes extend the current literature by describing salient features of fitness testing that influence the meaning that individuals with visual impairments place on those experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine reflections of body image development experiences in school-based physical education and sport among individuals with visual impairments. This qualitative study utilized an interpretative phenomenological analysis. A purposive sample of 10 participants (ages 21–34; eight female, two male) residing in North America were included. Semi-structured, audiotaped telephone interviews and reflective interview notes were data sources for this study. Data were analysed using a three-step process inspired by interpretative phenomenological analysis, and themes that were identified across participants were summarized, presented as results, and discussed concurrently. Based on the data, two interrelated themes were constructed: (a) 'overweight and never really got proper exercise': repercussions of exclusion, and (b) 'the way I looked was very important': social pressures informing body image. These themes expand the current literature by describing the influences school-based physical education and sport contexts can have on the body image development experiences of individuals with visual impairments. Exclusion from activities and peer social comparisons are highlighted as critical features of physical education and sport experiences that can affect body image among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of using Physical Best lessons to promote adolescent energy balance knowledge and task values. Seventh graders (N = 90) were randomly assigned to the experiment and the comparison groups. The experiment group took 10 selected Physical Best lessons, while the comparison experienced 10 district lessons. Pre- and post-measurements of knowledge and task values were taken at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of variance were conducted to test the difference over time and between the groups in energy balance knowledge test scores and task values. Both groups improved knowledge test scores, but the experiment group scored significantly higher than the comparison, controlling for the pre-test. The comparison group reported higher initial attainment values which declined over time, while the experiment group increased. The findings suggested that Physical Best lessons were effective (ηp 2=.18) in improving students’ energy balance knowledge in 10 structured lessons, and that students reported a higher perceived value about the importance of physical education after they learned energy balance and exercise principles. Perhaps these concepts should be taught in physical education to improve student knowledge and perceived values of the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools are positioned to play a key role in nurturing students with knowledge and behaviours associated with healthful living. Our study examined the effects of an intervention on energy balance (EB) knowledge. Twelve 6th and 7th grade classrooms (n = 140) were assigned to receive either two standardised lessons on EB or a combined intervention that featured the same EB lessons, integrated with self-monitoring technology. EB knowledge was pre- and post-measured using a standardised written test, while the situational interest was measured at the end of experiment. Repeated measure analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance were conducted, to capture the differences in EB knowledge by time and group, and situational interest by group, respectively. Both groups significantly enhanced EB knowledge over time (F1,112 = 11.85; p = .001; η2 = .10), but the combined group demonstrated a greater increase (F1,112 = 5.36; p = .02; η2 = .05). An item-by-item mean comparison of EB knowledge and correct percent scores confirmed the above result (i.e. combined group versus education group: 7% versus 2% EB knowledge increase).The two groups were equally motivated to participate in the experiment, showing similar levels of total interest (education group: M/SD = 4.00/.68; combined group: M/SD = 4.17/.74; p = .18). The research findings and their implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent state and federal legislations on educational accountability push evaluation and grading to the frontline. This study examined students’ perspectives of grading in physical education. The participants included students (N = 39) from two middle schools. Data were collected through observation, student profile grading sheets and interviews. The grading sheet profiled athletic, participative, popular, knowledgeable and well-behaving students, respectively. Participants were asked to grade the profiles and were interviewed immediately thereafter. The profiles’ grades were analyzed descriptively. The interview data and observation notes were analyzed using constant comparison. Students voiced that being athletic or popular should not earn the highest grade in physical education; they favored the participative, knowledgeable and behaving profiles. A profile analysis showed that the latter three profiles earned significantly higher average grades than the athletic and popular ones (p < .05). Overall, students assigned relatively high grades for all the profiles, from a self-endorsing perspective. Student perspectives of grading are not completely consistent with the official standards or their own conception of achievement in physical education, which are likely shared by their teachers. These findings have implications for evaluation and grading in physical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While movement toward the education of students with disabilities in integrated physical education has now become common internationally, it is not without concerns. Notably, scholars have questioned whether instruction in integrated physical education settings provides inclusive experiences for students with disabilities. The purpose of this exploratory study was to explore certified adapted physical educators' (CAPEs') perspectives on barriers and facilitators to students with disabilities experiencing inclusion in integrated physical education. A sample of 99 CAPEs (74.7% female) across the United States provided valid responses to an online survey form. Guided by the established two-step coding protocol, two independent reviewers coded the responses to open-ended questions. In total, 460 barriers and 473 facilitators that fell into seven categories were identified. Among these, both teacher-related barriers and facilitators were more commonly reported than other factors, such as environmental and policy barriers/facilitators. As such, it appears that the participants placed onus on ensuring the inclusiveness of integrated physical education classes largely on the shoulders of the teachers. In addition, codes related to programmatic or equipment-related factors were underreported, suggesting that even in integrated physical education classes where adapted equipment (i.e. equipment facilitator) and personnel support (i.e. programmatic facilitator) are available, inclusive experience may not be. These findings suggest inclusiveness of integrated physical education is complex and influenced by numerous factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the views of visually impaired youth about teacher-initiated activity modifications during integrated physical education. This experiential qualitative study included 18 visually impaired youth (ages 12–15 years; seven girls, 11 boys). Each participant completed two semi-structured interviews as data sources for this study. Four themes were constructed based on a reflexive thematic analysis of the interview data: (a) modifications interpreted as care; (b) "the angel and the devil": modifications highlighting impairment; (c) the two-way street to modifications; and (d) modifications are Band-Aids over flawed activities and curriculum. These themes expand upon the current literature by describing how visually impaired youth understand their experiences with modifications in integrated physical education contexts. For many of the participants, activity modifications represented a tangible example of physical education teachers caring for them and caring about their needs. As such, some support for previously explicated benefits of modifications is provided. However, a number of concerns were also raised by our participants about modifications, such as modifications representing poorly conceptualized Band-Aids over poorly constructed activities, as well as modifications spotlighting differences and impairments. Finally, modifications that are promoted as simple and superficial ideas by the literature and executed by physical educators without communication with students appear to be unfavored by visually impaired students. This finding provides further support for the need to shift pedagogical strategies and teaching behaviors to become more flexible and student-centered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning that individuals with psoriasis ascribed to their youth physical activity experiences. This qualitative, retrospective inquiry was based on an interpretative phenomenological analysis. A purposive sample of six participants (ages 20–46; four female, two male) residing in the United States were included. Semi-structured, audio-taped telephone interviews and reflective field notes acted as sources of data for this study. Thematic development was undertaken using a four-step interpretative phenomenological analysis process and themes identified across participants were summarized, presented as results, and discussed concurrently. Based on the data analysis, three interrelated themes were constructed from the participant transcripts: (a) "I just stopped signing up": the impact of physical discomfort; (b) "kids started calling me 'Flake'": embarrassment, social anxiety, and bullying; and (c) "I felt like he was calling me out": disclosing psoriasis to stakeholders. These three constructed themes provide unique insight into the embodied experiences of those with psoriasis, and fill a previous gap in the extant literature. Practitioners aiming to increase physical activity engagement among this population can use these findings to design more effective programmes and strategies that address the needs identified in this investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation to learn is a disposition developed through exposure to learning opportunities. Guided by the expectancy-value theory of Eccles and Wigfield (1995), this study examined the extent to which expectancy belief and task value influenced elementary school students’ physical activity and knowledge learning in physical education (PE). Students (N = 753) from 15 US public schools contributed student-level and class-level data. With a 2-level design, the data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Physical activity (t = 3.18; p < .01) positively predicted fitness knowledge. Attainment value (i.e. perception of importance) as the only expectancy-value construct, significantly predicted fitness knowledge (t = 3.07; p < .01), when physical activity was held constant. As the physical activity intensity increased, the positive prediction of attainment value to knowledge attenuated and then turned negative (t = –3.10; p < .01). The study indicated that although a physically-active context helps students to make sense of fitness knowledge, a vigorous context shifts their motivation away from cognitive learning, toward physical participation. To resolve the difficulty of attaining learning objectives both physically and cognitively, PE teachers may want to maintain an active learning context with moderate physical intensity. Future research should address the effect of learner motivation on dual or multiple learning outcomes in PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]