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Effect of an Integrated Physical Activity and Nutrition Education Program Delivered by Physical Educators

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Journal of School Health / The Journal of School Health

Published online on

Abstract

["Journal of School Health, Volume 96, Issue 6, June 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\n\nBackground\nFew school‐based interventions integrate nutrition with physical activity (PA), especially within physical education classes. This study evaluated the effect of a nutrition education program designed for physical educators (PEs) that combined nutrition education with PA.\n\nMethods\nIn this cluster‐randomized study, classes were assigned (class level) to a control (n = 11; 140 students) or an intervention group (n = 8; 143 students) over 4 months. PEs (n = 7) and students (n = 283) completed questionnaires pre‐ and post‐intervention. Primary outcomes included students' nutrition knowledge, attitudes, environments, behaviors, and dietary intake. Additionally, PEs' appreciation, relevance, and use of the program and self‐reported and measured compliance were evaluated. Mixed‐effects models were used for analysis.\n\nResults\nStudents in the intervention group showed a greater improvement in nutrition knowledge than those in the control group (adjusted mean change: +3.6 versus +1.3 points, respectively; p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed for other outcomes.\n\nImplications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity\nProviding PEs with tailored resources enables them to effectively integrate health promotion into physical education classes.\n\nConclusions\nA nutrition education program for PEs has the potential to improve students' nutrition knowledge and offers a feasible approach to incorporate nutrition education into the physical education curriculum.\n"]