Effects Of Sports Infrastructure And Physical Education Curriculum Implementation On Physical Activity Participation Among Early Childhood Pupils In Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the effects of sports infrastructure and physical education (PE) curriculum implementation on physical activity participation among early childhood pupils in Nigeria. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, with data collected from 425 pupils across selected urban and rural schools. Data were gathered using a Physical Activity Participation Questionnaire, a Sports Infrastructure Checklist, and a Curriculum Implementation Assessment Scale. Analysis involved Pearson correlation, t-tests, and regression analysis. Results revealed significant positive relationships between sports infrastructure (r = 0.476, p < 0.01) and PE curriculum implementation (r = 0.502, p < 0.01) with physical activity participation. Together, these factors explained 47.9% of the variance in participation. A significant difference was found in physical activity participation based on school type, with private school pupils engaging more. The study underscores the need for improved infrastructure and curriculum delivery to enhance physical activity levels in early childhood education settings. These findings support policies that prioritize investment in sports facilities and the effective implementation of PE curricula to foster better health outcomes for young learners in Nigeria.

Keywords: Sports infrastructure, physical education, curriculum implementation