Physical Fitness of Middle School Students in Selected American Public Charter Schools

Abstract

To address the research gap regarding adolescent physical fitness in American public charter schools, this quantitative study analyzed the interplay of gender, sleep, and extracurricular engagement among 320 middle school students using FitnessGram assessments and lifestyle surveys. Results indicate that participation in structured after-school activities is the dominant predictor of physical health, significantly overshadowing factors like gender, sleep quality, or academic performance. Grounded in Social Cognitive and Self-Determination Theories, the findings suggest that effective physical education must shift from traditional instruction to holistic programs that foster self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Consequently, future interventions should prioritize accessible extracurricular integration and longitudinal research into socioeconomic determinants to ensure sustained, long-term student well-being.