Duration and barriers of physical education teaching in primary schools in 6 French departments.

Self-reported weekly PE duration was below the mandatory programme durations in both preschool and elementary school teachers in six French departments.

• Mean weekly PE duration was 2 h 23 min ± 1 h 04 min in preschool.
• Mean weekly PE duration was 2 h 28 min ± 51 min in elementary school.
• A total of 1,967 responses were analysed, with an overall response rate of 3.9%.
• The authors describe the result as consistent with previous French studies.

Several teacher- and school-related factors were associated with higher self-reported PE duration.

• Associated factors were longer seniority, fewer pupils in class, longer peri-activity around PE (transportation, locker room), multigrade class, and suburban schools.
• Implementation of APQ (Activité Physique Quotidienne), a novel compulsory subject focused on daily physical activity, was also associated with higher PE duration.
• A higher feeling of competence was associated with higher PE duration.
• Fewer declared obstacles were associated with higher PE duration.

The study also examined the main obstacles to PE delivery reported by teachers, and fewer declared obstacles were linked to longer PE duration.

• The aim included identifying main obstacles to PE delivery reported by teachers.
• The abstract does not list the specific obstacles; it reports that fewer obstacles declared were associated with higher PE duration.

The study's design limits interpretation: findings are cross-sectional, self-reported, from a limited number of departments, and should not be generalized to all of France.

• Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire between March 2021 and June 2024, as survey implementation in different areas took place.
• The response rate was low (3.9%).
• The authors state no causal relationships can be inferred.
• They suggest further investigation including longitudinal or intervention research.

The authors conclude that addressing barriers to PE delivery in schools remains a public health priority.

• PE is the main compulsory opportunity for structured physical activity during school hours in French primary schools.
• Regular physical activity helps prevent sedentary lifestyles and reduces chronic disease risk.