Frontiers in Sport Research, 2026, 8(1); doi: 10.25236/FSR.2026.080104.
Yuan Feng, Xiaoling Zhu, Rui Yuan
Department of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
Although university students in China generally demonstrate a high level of sports-related knowledge, their actual participation in physical activity remains insufficient, contributing to declining physical fitness and increasing obesity prevalence. This study aimed to develop a multidimensional physical education (PE) curriculum and to examine its effects on university students’ physical activity behaviours. A triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) was used to objectively assess sedentary behaviour and physical activity intensity. The curriculum system comprised three tiers—competition-based courses, specialised skill courses, and health-oriented fitness and weight-loss courses—designed to address students’ diverse abilities and needs. The results indicated that participation in the multidimensional PE curriculum led to increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across all course types. Notably, the proportion of students meeting the World Health Organisation’s recommended MVPA levels increased to 100% after one semester of intervention. Conclusion: The multidimensional PE curriculum exerts a significant positive influence on university students’ physical activity behaviours and offers practical implications for physical education reform in higher education.
Physical education curriculum; Physical activity; Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; University students; Curriculum reform
Yuan Feng, Xiaoling Zhu, Rui Yuan. The Construction of a Multidimensional Physical Education Curriculum System and Its Impact on University Students' Physical Activity. Frontiers in Sport Research (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 1: 23-30. https://doi.org/10.25236/FSR.2026.080104.
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