Scientific rationale and practical realities of the 140-160 bpm national standard in Chinese school physical education for primary and middle school students.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the scientific rationale, implementation realities, and policy significance of China's new Compulsory Education Physical Education and Health Curriculum Standard specifying an average in-class heart rate (HR) of 140-160 bpm.

METHOD: Narrative policy and literature analysis using official Ministry of Education documents, international guidelines, and empirical studies on youth HR and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

FINDINGS: The 140-160 bpm range equals roughly 65%-80% of age-predicted HRmax, aligning with international MVPA definitions. Early school-based evidence shows uneven attainment due to equipment, training, and interpretive gaps.

CONCLUSION

The standard translates exercise science into educational governance but requires strengthened teacher preparation, digital infrastructure, and equitable funding to achieve sustainable, health-oriented reform.