Physical education has evolved as a multi-disciplinary subject and its scope is not just confined to physical fitness and the rules of games and sports. The meaning and definition of Physical Education, its aims and objectives and scope, and factors affecting physical fitness and wellness, rules and other necessary knowledge about health, games and sports and yoga are major areas of study in physical education. Games and sports, as well as, cultural heritage, development of leadership qualities and group dynamics through sports and games are also an integral part of this discipline.
In fact, physical education now includes several areas which belong to other subjects like Biology, Genetics, Psychology, Physics, Bio Chemistry, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Culture, Medicine, Media studies, etc.
Contents from other disciplines like laws of motion, types of lever, force, equilibrium and centre of gravity, common postural deviations, therapeutic modalities in rehabilitation, sports massage, prevention and first aid for common sportinjuries, are also the content of physical education. Biological foundations such as heredity and environment, growth and development are also included in it.
Content drawn from psychology, such as, importance of psychology in education with special reference to physical education, such as, individual differences and personality, learning and motivation are related to Physical Education.
Personality means, nature and factors affecting performance and transfer of training constitute one of its major components. Similarly, contents related to basic physiology, anatomy, growth and development during adolescence also form part of the content of physical education. Some other contents are organ system, functions of bones, definitions and classification of joints, movement around a joint, general characteristics (properties) of muscles, effects of exercise on muscular system, circulatory system, respiratory system and digestive system, health dimensions, environment, importance of health, health problems, hygiene, community health, aspects of school health services, food, nutrition and balanced diet, communicable and non-communicable diseases, coronavirus, HIV, AIDS and drug abuse.
Contents related to Yoga also form a part of this area. Common Yogic Practices are Yama and Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Bandha Mudra, Shatkarma/Kriya, Meditation. It includes Ahara (Food), Vihara (Relaxation), Achara (Conduct), Vichara (Thinking), Vyavahara (Behaviour). Theories of training are also included in this subject area. These are principles and characteristics of sports training, methods of sports training, training load, warming up, cooling down, aerobic and anaerobic activities, calisthenics and rhythmic exercises, specific training program for development of various motor qualities, techniques, tactics and talent identification. It is also important to understand the difference between play, games and sports.
