The role and challenges of physical education and sports in STEM-oriented vocational education: a systematic review

Physical education (PE) and sports play a critical role in promoting holistic development, health, and workforce readiness among students. However, their integration within vocational education and training (TVET) institutions remains inconsistent and underexplored. This systematic literature review synthesizes findings from 11 peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024, focusing on the structural, pedagogical, cultural, and policy-related barriers to PE implementation in vocational contexts. The review identified five dominant themes: physical inactivity and health concerns, barriers to intervention and implementation, structural and institutional limitations, ideological and cultural influences, and teacher capacity and equity issues. The analysis revealed that despite the physical demands of many vocational careers, PE is often deprioritized due to limited infrastructure, rigid curricula, insufficient teacher training, and socio-cultural perceptions that devalue physical education. These challenges hinder students’ physical and mental well-being and limit the development of essential soft skills. The review highlights a critical need for context-sensitive PE strategies tailored to vocational institutions and calls for further empirical research to support policy and program reform. Addressing these challenges is essential to aligning PE with the holistic educational mission of TVET institutions and enhancing students’ long-term occupational health and success.

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