Teacher competence and preparedness for inclusive physical education (2020-2025): a systematic review of empirical evidence

Aidil Syaputra(1), Jeki Haryanto(2),
(1) Universitas Riau  Indonesia
(2) Universitas Negeri Padang  Indonesia

Corresponding Author


DOI : https://doi.org/10.32698/02442

Full Text:    Language : en

Abstract


@font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1040178053 9 0 511 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Calisto MT"; panose-1:2 4 6 3 5 5 5 3 3 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-font-kerning:0pt; mso-ligatures:none; mso-fareast-language:EN-ID;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} Teachers who are knowledgeable, self-confident, and well-trained to teach students with different abilities are a major requirement for inclusive physical education (IPE). However, the information on what determines this readiness is scattered across different disciplines and countries. This systematic review combined peer-reviewed research on the abilities and readiness of physical education (PE) teachers and pre-service teachers for inclusive teaching. The review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines and utilized the Scopus database to retrieve records through a structured Boolean search targeting teacher competence, self-efficacy, preparedness, and inclusive or adapted physical education. Out of 487 records found, 31 empirical studies that were published within the period 2020-2025 met the eligibility criteria after removing duplicates, screening titles and abstracts, and assessing full texts. Records were retrieved from Scopus (search executed December 2025); eligibility followed predefined PICOS criteria, methodological adequacy was appraised with the FICO framework, and findings were combined through thematic synthesis. Screening was conducted with a documented reviewer-agreement procedure.  A thematic synthesis grouped the results based on four RQs that covered main competencies, obstacles, and enablers, the impact of teacher education and PD, and pedagogical-technological innovations. Two points were most prominent: self-efficacy through focused training is always changeable, and insufficient, fragmented preparation remains a structural barrier in different systems. The review deepens a situational understanding of inclusive-PE preparedness and gives practical recommendations for teacher-education programs and ongoing PD. Future studies are expected to use longitudinal methodologies, standardized competence instruments and also focus on under-represented regions to strengthen the evidence base.

Keywords


Inclusive physical education; Teacher competence; Teacher self-efficacy; Teacher preparedness; Systematic literature review

References


Alhumaid, M.M. (2021). Physical Education Teachers’ Self‐Efficacy Toward Including Students With Autism In Saudi Arabia. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 18(24), Article 13197. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph182413197

Alhumaid, M.M. (2022). Predictors Of Physical Educators' Attitudes Toward Including Students With Disabilities In Inclusive Classes. Open Sports Sciences Journal, 15(1), Article E1875399x2210260. Https://Doi.Org/10.2174/1875399x-V15-E221031-2022-34

Alhumaid, M.M., Khoo, S., & Bastos, T. (2020). Self-Efficacy Of Pre-Service Physical Education Teachers Toward Inclusion In Saudi Arabia. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(9), Article 3898. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Su12093898

Alshahrany, A.N., & Ibrahim, H.B. (2021). Using An Exergame In Inclusive Physical Education For Elementary School Children With Hearing Impairment: A Future Area Of Research In Saudi Arabia. Estudios De Economia Aplicada, 39(10). Https://Doi.Org/10.25115/Eea.V39i10.5808

Ben Rakaa, O., Bassiri, M., & Lotfi, S. (2024a). Defining The Effect Of Teachers’ Medical History On Their Inclusive Teaching Practice: Analyzing Feelings Of Competence And Knowledge In Inclusive Physical Education. Physical Education Theory And Methodology, 24(5), 777–783. Https://Doi.Org/10.17309/Tmfv.2024.5.13

Ben Rakaa, O., Bassiri, M., & Lotfi, S. (2024b). The Influence Of School Pathologies On The Feeling Of Pedagogical Incompetence In Teaching Inclusive Physical Education. Physical Education Theory And Methodology, 24(4), 626–634. Https://Doi.Org/10.17309/Tmfv.2024.4.15

Borges Barbosa, M.L., De Almeida Pimenta, R., Rio Martins, R.L.D., Lebeis Pires, V.N., & De Almeida, V.A.R. (2023). Análise Da Percepção De Estagiários De Educação Física Sobre A Inclusão Na Escola: Uma Revisão Integrativa. **, 29, Article E29046. Https://Doi.Org/10.22456/1982-8918.130615

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis In Psychology. Qualitative Research In Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. Https://Doi.Org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Burhaein, E., Tarigan, B., & Phytanza, D.T.P. (2020). The Experiences And Understandings Of The K-13 Curriculum Implementation Of Indonesian Teachers Of Adapted Physical Education (Ape). International Sports Studies, 42, 29–42. Https://Doi.Org/10.30819/Iss.42-E.04

Celestino, T., Ribeiro, E., Morgado, E.G., Leonido, L., & Pereira, A. (2024). Physical Education Teachers’ Representations Of Their Training To Promote The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities. Education Sciences, 14(1), Article 49. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Educsci14010049

Da Silva Filho, A.S., Da Silva, S.L., & Corrêa, U.C. (2025). Characterization Of Continuing Education Of Physical Education Professionals In The State Of São Paulo. **, 31, Article E31035. Https://Doi.Org/10.22456/1982-8918.141419

Del Rosario Martínez-Aguilera, G. (2022). Multiple Intelligences In Physical Education Class; A Formative Experience In Primary School Students. **, 45, 774–782. Https://Doi.Org/10.47197/Retos.V44i0.89393

Dl, A.A., Dl, Y.A., Gl, G.B., & Nl, M.V. (2025). Prospects Of Drone Racing Implementation In Inclusive Physical Education And Sports Environment Of Higher Education Institution: Analysis Of Students ‘And Teachers’ Opinions. Perspektivy Nauki I Obrazovania, 2025(4), 302–321. Https://Doi.Org/10.32744/Pse.2025.4.19

Engelbrecht, C., Du Toit, D., Van Der Merwe, N., & Kemp, C. (2025). Bridging Policy And Practice: Adapted Physical Education For Special Needs Learners In Brics. African Journal Of Disability, 14, Article A1626. Https://Doi.Org/10.4102/Ajod.V14i0.1626

Erhorn, J., Moeller, L., & Langer, W. (2020). Academic Physical Education Training For Inclusive Physical Education?: A Critical Review Of The State Of Research. **, 50(4), 487–500. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S12662-020-00668-5

Erhorn, J., Wirszing, D., & Langer, W. (2025). Qualification Of Prospective Pe Teachers For Inclusive Pe: Development And Evaluation Of A Pete Concept. Physical Education And Sport Pedagogy, 30(2), 136–153. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/17408989.2023.2194901

Foley, J.T., Santarossa, S., Tindall, D.W., & Lieberman, L.J. (2020). The Impact Of A Summer Sports Camp For Children With Visual Impairments On The Self-Efficacy Of Physical Education Pre-Service Teachers: A Pilot Study. European Journal Of Adapted Physical Activity, 13(1), Article 3. Https://Doi.Org/10.5507/Euj.2019.011

Giese, M., Grenier, M., Lieberman, L.J., & Meier, S. (2022). Cross-Cultural Translation And Application Of The Lieberman–Brian Inclusion Rating Scale For Pe In German-Speaking Countries. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19(13), Article 7891. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph19137891

Grassi-Roig, M., Pérez-Tejero, J., & Coterón, J. (2022). Effects Of An Inclusive Physical Education Workshop On Teachers' Self-Efficacy. **, 17(51), 5–13. Https://Doi.Org/10.12800/Ccd.V17i51.1649

Hebinck, M., Boisvert, M., Labbé, M., Périnet-Lacroix, R., Brisebois, J., Best, K.L., & Robert, M.T. (2023). Identifying Facilitators And Barriers In Quebec Schools To Promote Inclusive Physical Education. Disabilities, 3(4), 608–620. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Disabilities3040039

Hernández-González, V., Carné-Torrent, J.M., Jové-Deltell, C., & Reverter-Masia, J. (2025). Global Research Trends On Physical Education Practices: A Bibliometric Analysis And Science-Mapping Study. Frontiers In Sports And Active Living, 7, Article 1532754. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fspor.2025.1532754

Hutzler, Y., Beck, H., Reichman, B., & Goral, A. (2024). Online Training On Inclusive Physical Education: Differences In Self-Efficacy And Attitudes Of Pre-Service Pe Teachers Across Disability And Activity. European Journal Of Adapted Physical Activity , 17, Article 7. Https://Doi.Org/10.5507/Euj.2024.004

Kaplánová, A., Šišková, N., Grznárová, T., & Vanderka, M. (2023). Physical Education And Development Of Locomotion And Gross Motor Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(1), Article 28. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Su15010028

Koh, Y.H. (2021). Combining Adapted Physical Education With Individualized Education Programs: Building Korean Pre-Service Teachers’ Self-Efficacy For Inclusive Physical Education. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(5), 1–14. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Su13052879

Kwon, H., & Maeng, H. (2022). The Impact Of A Rater Training Program On The Tgmd-3 Scoring Accuracy Of Pre-Service Adapted Physical Education Teachers. Children, 9(6), Article 881. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children9060881

Kwon, Y., Kim, D., Kang, M., & Cho, G. (2025). Expanding Participation In Inclusive Physical Education: A Maker-Based Approach For Sport-Marginalized Students. Children, 12(12), Article 1681. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children12121681

Langer, W., Bruns, J., & Erhorn, J. (2022). Development And Validation Of A Video-Based Test Instrument To Measure Noticing With Regard To Processes Of Recognition In Inclusive Physical Education. **, 52(3), 386–397. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S12662-022-00807-0

Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P. A., Clarke, M., Devereaux, P. J., Kleijnen, J., & Moher, D. (2009). The Prisma Statement For Reporting Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses Of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation And Elaboration. Plos Medicine, 6(7), Article E1000100. Https://Doi.Org/10.1371/Journal.Pmed.1000100

Lourenço, C., Ben Rakaa, O., Bassiri, M., & Lotfi, S. (2025). Unravelling The Impact Of Universal Design For Learning On The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In Physical Education: A Systematic Review. **, 25(3), 691–704. Https://Doi.Org/10.17309/Tmfv.2025.3.27

Maher, A.J., & Fitzgerald, H. (2020). Initial Teacher Education And Continuing Professional Development: The Perspectives Of Special School Physical Education Teachers. Curriculum Studies In Health And Physical Education, 11(1), 18–33. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/25742981.2019.1696687

Makopoulou, K. (2018). An Investigation Into The Complex Process Of Facilitating Effective Professional Learning: Cpd Tutors’ Practices Under The Microscope. **, 23(3), 250–266. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/17408989.2017.1406463

Makopoulou, K., Neville, R.D., Ntoumanis, N., & Thomas, G. (2021). An Investigation Into The Effects Of Short-Course Professional Development On Teachers’ And Teaching Assistants’ Self-Efficacy. Professional Development In Education, 47(5), 780–795. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/19415257.2019.1665572

Makopoulou, K., Penney, D., Neville, R., & Thomas, G. (2022). What Sort Of ‘Inclusion’ Is Continuing Professional Development Promoting? An Investigation Of A National Cpd Programme For Inclusive Physical Education. International Journal Of Inclusive Education, 26(3), 245–262. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/13603116.2019.1647297

Mcnamara, S., Ng, K., & Healy, S. (2022). Adapted Physical Educators’ Social Media Usage For Professional Learning. Frontiers In Education, 7, Article 849919. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Feduc.2022.849919

Muñoz-Hinrichsen, F., Marfan, M.S., Contreras, J.P., Lagos, I.V., Roig, M.G., & Pérez-Tejero, J. (2025). Analysis Of Self-Efficacy And Competencies Of Chilean Physical Education Teachers For The Inclusion Of Children With Disabilities. **, 63, 338–347. Https://Doi.Org/10.47197/Retos.V63.110144

Neville, R.D., Makopoulou, K., & Hopkins, W.G. (2020). Effect Of An Inclusive Physical Education (Ipe) Training Workshop On Trainee Teachers’ Self-Efficacy. Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport, 91(1), 102–114. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1650877

Ng, K., Klavina, A., Ferreira, J.P., Barrett, U., Pozeriene, J., & Reina, R. (2021). Teachers’ Preparedness To Deliver Remote Adapted Physical Education From Different European Perspectives: Updates To The European Standards In Adapted Physical Activity. European Journal Of Special Needs Education, 36(1), 98–113. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/08856257.2021.1872848

Ng, K., Venckuniene, K., Klavina, A., Labecka, M., Ostaseviciene, V., Pozeriene, J., Strazdina, N., Puromies, M., Reklaitiene, D., & Morgulec-Adamowicz, N. (2025). Associations Between Technology Use, Knowledge And Inclusive Physical Education Teacher-Efficacy Among European Primary School Teachers. Physical Culture And Sport, Studies And Research, 108(1), 71–83. Https://Doi.Org/10.2478/Pcssr-2025-0013

Page, M. J., Mckenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., Mcdonald, S., ... Moher, D. (2021). The Prisma 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline For Reporting Systematic Reviews. Bmj, 372, Article N71. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bmj.N71

Park, S. (2023). Faculty Perspective Regarding Practical Experience Of Adapted Physical Education For Undergraduate Students. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 20(5), Article 4282. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph20054282

Pawlowski, J., & Yun, J. (2019). Adapted Physical Educators' Beliefs And Intentions For Promoting Out-Of-School Physical Activity. **, 12(1), Article 4. Https://Doi.Org/10.5507/Euj.2019.003

Paz, L.E.T., Barreto, J.C.G., Lozada, E.J.T., Cerna, D.B., & Hernández-Fernández, B. (2023). Approach To The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In The Initial Teacher Training Of Physical Education In Peru. **, 47, 926–968. Https://Doi.Org/10.47197/Retos.V47.95493

Picardo, L., Ferreira, J.P., & Campos, M.J. (2025b). Cross-Cultural Validation Of The Mozambican Version Of The Inclusive Physical Education Self-Efficacy Scale. **, 64, 853–865. Https://Doi.Org/10.47197/Retos.V64.107487

Picardo, L.F.M.J., Campos, M.J., & Ferreira, J.P. (2025a). Self-Efficacy Of Pre-Service Teachers In Mozambique Regarding The Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities In Physical Education Classes. **, 31, Article E31029. Https://Doi.Org/10.22456/1982-8918.142147

Reina, R., Hemmelmayr, I., & Sierra-Marroquín, B. (2016). Self-Efficacy Of Physical Education Teachers Toward Inclusion Of Students With Disabilities And Regarding Their Previous Training And Experiences. **, 8(2), 93–103. Https://Doi.Org/10.25115/Psye.V8i2.455

Selickaitė, D., Hutzler, Y., Pukėnas, K., Block, M.E., & Rėklaitienė, D. (2019). The Analysis Of The Structure, Validity, And Reliability Of An Inclusive Physical Education Self-Efficacy Instrument For Lithuanian Physical Education Teachers. **, 9(2), 1–17. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/2158244019852473

Suryobroto, A.S., Setiawan, C., Nampai, U., & Marhaendro, A.S.D. (2022). A Thematic Analysis Of Teachers’ Experience In Inclusive Physical Education Teaching. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 41(3), 754–763. Https://Doi.Org/10.21831/Cp.V41i3.50531

Tafuri, M.G., Gravino, G., Di Palma, D., Palmiero, F., & Romano, G. (2025). Wheelchair Hockey And Inclusion: An Emotional And Relational Analysis In Lower Secondary School. Journal Of Physical Education And Sport, 25(7), 1385–1393. Https://Doi.Org/10.7752/Jpes.2025.07154

Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods For The Thematic Synthesis Of Qualitative Research In Systematic Reviews. Bmc Medical Research Methodology, 8, Article 45. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-45

Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards A Methodology For Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge By Means Of Systematic Review. British Journal Of Management, 14(3), 207–222. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375

Tristani, L., Tomasone, J., Gainforth, H., & Bassett-Gunter, R. (2021). Taking Steps To Inclusion: A Content Analysis Of A Resource Aimed To Support Teachers In Delivering Inclusive Physical Education. International Journal Of Disability, Development And Education, 68(1), 116–135. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/1034912x.2019.1662890


Article Metrics

 Abstract Views : 0 times
 PDF Downloaded : 0 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.