Physical education has existed since the early 1800s, but grew significantly more popular after World War I. Not only were more schools integrating fitness programs, but specific types of exercises and sports were also encouraged depending on their perceived importance at the time. How has physical education changed, and what are the key differences between 1950s programs and present day programs?
A Brief History
Gymnastics, hygiene, and care of the human body were integrated into public school curriculum in 1820. Round Hill School in Northampton, Massachusetts was the first school in America to make it a core part of their program.2 By the 1860s, all public schools were required to have their students exercise twice a day. By 1950, several hundred colleges and universities offered physical education as a viable major.
The 1950s
It wasn't until the early 1950s that physical education became a much larger concern. Military officers often complained about the poor physical conditions of American draftees during World War II and the Korean War. A few years later, this concern came to an all-time high when an international study found that American children were far less physically fit than children in most other countries.1, 2
Public schools added higher standards to their physical education programs, including the President's Council on Youth Fitness, established by President Eisenhower. The council didn't find its footing until John F. Kennedy rose to presidency, when he poured special attention into assigning new projects to the council and addressing the matter of physical fitness in his public announcements.1 During Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, the council created the Presidential Fitness Test to assess the physical fitness levels of American children. Children received an award for placing in the top 85th percent on a nationwide scale on all five test items.1 This award system lasted from 1966 - 2018. The test items included:
Then vs. Now
The emphasis in physical education was initially to make sure students would be physically prepared if they were to be drafted into the military. However, throughout the last 70 years, physical fitness has followed the flows and ebbs of relevancy. In times of recession, physical fitness programs were often the first to be cut due to both economic concerns and issues with poor curriculum.2 Physical education eventually developed into one of the most flexible types of education. Depending on what issues school systems' felt deserved more focus, the curriculum could change to address those issues.
For example, dodge ball was once one of the most popular games in physical education due to its competitive nature. However, in a modern setting, the game is no longer considered good instruction because of its exclusivity and violence.3 According to its rules, as soon as a student is hit by the ball, that student is forced to sit at the sidelines for the rest of the game. Today, games that require all participants to be moving are preferred due to an increased focus on inclusive programs and general physical health.3 With the rising rate of child obesity in America, an emphasis has been placed upon educating children on a healthy diet and fitness routine rather than engaging them in the formerly popular team sports.
While the types of instruction and exercises have evolved, the actual amount of exercise students are getting has plunged in recent years. Since 2016, most U.S. states have fallen short of the standards set in years past for children's physical education.5 Less than half of all state curriculums mandate a specific amount of time for students to engage in physical activity.4
During the Covid-19 pandemic, physical activity in students dropped significantly while sedentary activity increased.4 However, now that most U.S. schools are dropping Covid-19 restrictions, it is expected that students will be able to return to a daily routine of physical fitness, depending on the mandates of their school.
While physical education is provided most commonly for students, the benefits of proper exercise extends to all ages. Daily exercise can prevent disease, improve mental health, increase productivity, and improve cognitive function. Just like in most school fitness programs, specific exercises can be chosen to cater to individual needs. For example, learning how to juggle can improve hand–eye coordination, as well as improve memory. As years pass, an individual can customize which exercises to add to their routine to improve their personal health.
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