452 Sixth Annual Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport Lecture: Does Physical Education Have a Long-Term Public Health Impact?

Physical education is an institution in American schools, and it is widely presumed to provide important health benefits to students. A considerable body of evidence supports the conclusion that, when delivered with instructional practices that emphasize student participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), physical education can contribute importantly to students’ daily MVPA requirement. However, the longer term effects of physical education on participation in physical activity and on the health outcomes that are associated with physical activity have not been extensively studied. In his presentation, Dr. Pate will examine the scientific evidence that addresses the effects of physical education on population-level health in the United States.