International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being · Available online 14 May 2026 · In press · DOI 10.1080/17482631.2026.2674331
Marco A. García-Luna, António Camilo Cunha, Carmen Manchado, Juan M. Cortell-Tormo
Purpose Postural health remains an underexamined dimension of school-based health education, despite its relevance for students’ wellbeing and long-term musculoskeletal health. This study explores how Physical Education teachers conceptualise and implement postural health education, and which factors shape its enactment. Methods A qualitative descriptive–interpretive design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Physical Education teachers from primary and secondary schools in Spain. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis within a constructivist framework. Results Five interrelated themes captured a tension between teachers’ strong valuation of postural health and its marginal curricular status. These themes reflected (i) its recognised but limited curricular integration; (ii) fragmented conceptualisations and uneven pedagogical content knowledge; (iii) predominantly sporadic and unstructured implementation; (iv) insufficiently practice-oriented training; and (v) a strong demand for practical and institutional support. Conceptualisations ranged from hygiene-oriented approaches to more integrative understandings linked to motor control and physical literacy. Implementation was shaped by limited training, scarce resources, and low institutional prioritisation. Conclusions Findings reveal a gap between the perceived importance of postural health and the structures supporting its implementation. Addressing this gap requires context-sensitive approaches that strengthen pedagogical support and curricular alignment.
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García-Luna, M., Cunha, A., Manchado, C., et al. (2026). Postural health education in schools: teachers' perspectives on well-being, inequities, and institutional constraints. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2026.2674331