Work Ability of the Turkish Physical Education Teachers

Purpose: Work ability of physical education teachers (PETs) is important to promote physical activity and effective teaching process. However, there was a limited study. In this study, work ability of the Turkish PETs was investigated. Method: The mixed methods were used. The study group consisted of 407 (M-age = 36.52 +/- 6.9) PETs. "The Work Ability Questionnaire" was used as a data collection tool. Descriptive statistic, independent sample t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression analysis, and chi-square were used in the analysis of qualitative data, and content analysis was used in the analysis of quantitative data. Result: The PETs were satisfied with their current job, and while there was a significant difference according to the gender (p < .05), a significant difference was not detected according to the age (p > .05). Furthermore, the PETs had a high work ability; when the comparison according to the gender and age significant differences was found (p < .05). Also, it was found that job satisfaction predicted physical fitness, work ability, work motivation, and work atmosphere of the PETs (R-2 = .463, F = 30.945, p < .05). Some of the PETs had a physical disease affecting their work abilities, and most of the PETs had musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases. In the comparison, according to gender, a significant difference was not found in terms of injury or disease (p > .05). Moreover, health problems were seen as the main problems which will threaten for the future work abilities. Conclusion: Higher work ability was associated with positive outcomes and higher job satisfaction. The healthy PETs had more work abilities.