Health-based physical education in an elementary school: effects on physical self-concept, motivation, fitness and physical activity

Background Promoting and developing health in Physical Education should not be limited to seeking to meet recommendations for physical activity and to increase motor competence or physical fitness, but should provide students with the motivation, confidence and knowledge required for them to be active for life. The Health-based Physical Education model (HbPE) is one of the most interesting models for health development. It takes a holistic perspective of health that is compatible with the salutogenic approach, where promoting and appreciating an active life is a core element (Haerens et al. 2011).