Development of High Intensity Interval Training Activity Module in Physical Education: A Need Analysis among Primary School Teachers

Abstract

Physical education (PE) subject is an important component in the national curriculum in Malaysia to produce a healthy and fit young generation. Active involvement in physical activity and exercise can improve cognitive function and aerobic capacity of children. In regards to that, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an alternative training protocol to improve body physiological function, fitness performance and health. Furthermore, HIIT has recently attracted significant research attention in a wide range of population lately. The objective of this study is to investigate the need of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in the implementation of PE activities. The survey study through a questionnaire involved a total of 220 primary school PE teachers who were selected by purposive sampling technique. The questionnaire was divided into two parts, part A consists of information and background of the respondents, part B is about the development of HIIT activity module implementation in PE. Data were analyzed descriptively. This study showed that 86.8 percent of teachers agree that there is a need to develop HIIT module for PE subject as an initiation of HIIT activities in PE to ensure the practice of HIIT activities in long term among young minds. The implications of this study suggested that teachers pay attention to the need to develop HIIT module as an alternative training program that increases physical fitness among kids. Therefore, this study is expected to provide a basic overview of the need to develop a HIIT module to be practiced in PE class as the implementation of HIIT improves aerobic fitness optimally in a shorter time period.