Running: How is it Taught and Evaluated in British Columbia Schools?

Abstract

Objective Running is a simple and inexpensive exercise to maintain cardiovascular health. We aimed to evaluate the incorporation of running within the curriculum in British Columbian schools to determine whether students are effectively taught how to run to maintain an active lifestyle.

Methods All 60 superintendents representing the school districts in British Columbia were contacted. They gave written approval for our research team to send a survey to schools within their districts. Teacher and student perspectives on running in middle and high schools were collected.

Results Teachers (n=63) and students (n=597) would like more information on proper running form and the cardiovascular benefits associated with this exercise. There is inconsistency in reporting medical conditions, and it is not clear how grading is distributed fairly among all students (p<0.05).

Conclusion There is a lack of education in schools on running. Improvements to the incorporation of running within the physical and health education curriculum may enhance student enjoyment and in turn help reduce sedentary behaviours and associated comorbidities in the general population.