Inquiries in Physical Education and Sport

Teachers’ Attitudes about Physical Activity and the Goals of Physical Education in Relation with their Previous Experience of this Lesson when they were Students

Georgia Adamou — 2025-09-16

The purpose of the study, was to examine teachers’ attitudes and aspects in primary schools, regarding the purposes of Physical Education (PE) that is based on current approaches in curriculum planning and their relationship to the attitudes of exercise and entertainment they derived from the PE as long as they were students. The study included 207 teachers of primary schools (160 women and 47 men). The following questionnaires were used: a) the Teacher’s Attitudes Toward Curriculum in Physical Education (TATCPE) of Kulinna and Silverman (1999) to measure attitudes and aspects of teachers, in relation to the promotion of physical activity (PA), b) the teachers’ attitudes and aspects questionnaire in relation to the importance of the purposes of PE (Gorozidis et al., 2012), c) a scale of attitudes towards exercise (Theodorakis, 1994), and d) a recreational recall scale of entertainment in PE (adapted from the Ιntrinsic Μotivation Ιnventory of McAuley et al., 1989), All scales had acceptable internal cohesion indicators (από .62 έως .93). The correlation analysis showed high positive correlation indices between the factors of TATCPE. Also, there was a positive high correlation between the TATCPE factors and the importance of the six PE goals (Gorozidis et al., 2012), and between these and teachers' attitudes towards exercise. The enjoyment experienced in PE as students was positively related to most of the PE goals and attitudes towards exercise. Α standard regression analysis showed that teachers’ self-actualization, views on the importance of goals 1 and 4 of the new PE curriculum and the enjoyment they experienced in PE as students had a statistically significant contribution in predicting their attitudes towards exercise. Finally, statistically significant differences were found in some of the examined variables due to gender, age, and PA levels. Based on the above results, it seems that teachers’ current attitudes and aspects of the new PE curriculum are significantly influenced by their attitudes towards exercise and their experiences as students in PE.

Key words: education, Physical Education, curriculum

Satisfaction from the Work of Archery Coaches

Alexandros Nasoulas — 2025-09-16

Job satisfaction in conjunction with satisfaction with the work environment in sports has not sought attention for coaches. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of work conditions, and goal setting on job satisfaction for archery coaches. Thirty-eight (N=38) coaches (28 men και 10 women) participated and satisfaction with the work environment and organization of the sport, satisfaction from their job in general, and the principles of the goal setting they follow were recorded. The results showed that they are not satisfied with their earnings and they do not have support and cooperation from the federation. They generally have moderate levels of satisfaction with their job. Satisfaction from working conditions and especially the quality and quantity of sports equipment and good communication with athletes are related to satisfaction from work, as well as proper goal-setting procedures. Based on the above results, this study formulates specific suggestions and instructions for archery coaches.

Physical Education as a Vehicle for Intercultural Education: Theory, Practice, and Perspectives in the Greek School Context.

Eleftheria Papageorgiou — 2025-09-16

Physical Education (PE) and sports activities, with their emphasis on cooperation, teamwork, and collective effort, can serve as a bridge for communication and acceptance, significantly contributing to the integration process within a multicultural school setting. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of PE as a field for promoting intercultural education, with a particular focus on the Greek context. Through a review of the relevant literature, the study analyzes both the theoretical foundations of the intercultural approach and its practical applications within PE classes. Special attention is given to the role of PE as a space for socialization and intercultural interaction, as well as the contribution of sports to the promotion of inclusion and the appreciation of cultural diversity. Selected programs and educational materials developed in Greece are presented, aimed at fostering inclusion through PE. The paper also offers pedagogical proposals and practical tools for PE teachers working in multicultural classrooms. Finally, future research directions are proposed to further enhance the role of PE in creating inclusive and open educational environments.

The Impact of Traditional Dance Intervention Programs on Health of Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults: A Literature Review

Aggelos Drakakis — 2025-09-16

Low levels of physical activity and exercise can have negative effects on both mental and physical health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Traditional dance is one of the most popular types of physical activity worldwide, offering many health benefits. This study aims to explore the impact of different traditional dance exercise programs on physical and mental health of children, young adults, middle-aged adults, and older healthy individuals. After searching three databases, 26 relevant studies were identified in healthy individuals (8 on children and adolescents, 4 on young and middle-aged individuals, and 14 on older individuals). The results showed that traditional dance programs improve balance, aerobic capacity, and muscle strength in all age groups. Additionally, children and teenagers showed lower anxiety and increased self-confidence. In young and middle-aged adults, there were also improvements in body composition and flexibility. Among older adults, better flexibility, improved quality of life, and enhanced cognitive function were reported following traditional dance programs. However, some studies showed inconsistent results regarding body composition, flexibility, and mental health. In conclusion, traditional dance exercise programs appear to be an effective way to improve both physical and mental health. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and provide more reliable conclusions.

Volleyball from Smyrna in Asia Minor to Athens with Panionios up to 1930

Anestis Giannakopoulos — 2025-09-16

The Panionios Gymnastics Club of Smyrna was founded in 1890 in Smyrna and became one of the most significant athletic and cultural organizations of the Greek community in the region. In addition to football, which was particularly popular, the club also promoted other sports, including volleyball, becoming one of the first organized hubs for the sport in the Ottoman Empire. Through Panionios, volleyball was developed and gained recognition in Smyrna, attracting athletes and supporters alike. Following the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922 and the mass exodus of the Greek population, Panionios relocated to Athens in 1923. Along with the club, its established sports activities were also transferred, making a decisive contribution to the development of sports in Greece. The club quickly became a leading figure in Greek sports, preserving Smyrna's athletic tradition and inspiring a new generation of athletes. The transfer of volleyball to Greece by Panionios was pivotal, as it inspired the establishment of new clubs, the organization of official championships (for both men and women), and the expansion of the sport across the country.