Anatomy education experiences of physical education professionals in a wellness-centered era: Evidence from South Korea

Abstract

Understanding human anatomy is crucial for professionals working in physical education-related fields. However, anatomy education in South Korean universities is often perceived as insufficiently aligned with professional demands. This study aims to document current experiences and perceptions of anatomy education among individuals engaged in physical education and identify areas where educational provision may not fully align with professional needs. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 730 individuals involved in physical education-related fields in South Korea. Participants reported demographic characteristics, anatomy education experiences, and perceptions regarding the sufficiency and relevance of anatomical knowledge. Group differences were examined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Participants rated their overall anatomy knowledge at a mean score of 3.40 out of 5, with significant variation across professional orientations (p < 0.001). While 48.1% of respondents identified cadaver-based training as the most effective educational method, such training was largely absent from university curricula and mainly accessed through private programs. Costs and satisfaction levels differed significantly, with external programs often perceived as higher in quality despite greater financial burden. These findings provide a national snapshot of perceived experiences and expectations regarding anatomy education among individuals in physical education-related fields in South Korea. The results highlight persistent discrepancies between university-based anatomy education and professional requirements, particularly regarding practical and cadaver-based learning opportunities. Although this study does not directly evaluate university curricula, the documented perception patterns may inform efforts to better align anatomy education with practical demands of non-medical professional training.