Which organization, created in the 1840s and 1850s, contributed to the growth of physical education?

The YMCA, established in the mid-19th century, played a pivotal role in the development of physical education. Originating in London in 1844, the YMCA aimed to promote healthy living among young men through a variety of programs, including sports and exercise, which fostered community and addressed the issues of urban life. The organization's emphasis on physical fitness and moral development helped formalize physical education as an essential part of youth development during that era.

The YMCA introduced structured recreational and sports activities, creating a model that later influenced schools and communities across the United States and beyond. This initiative laid the groundwork for organized physical education programs, leading to widespread acceptance of physical fitness as a vital component of overall education. Through its efforts, the YMCA significantly contributed to the societal acceptance and integration of physical education into educational curricula.

In contrast, the other organizations listed were established later or in different contexts: the NAIA, NCAA, and AAHPERD were developed further down the line and focused on different aspects of athletics, sports governance, and education. Their contributions to physical education are significant but stem from frameworks and needs identified after the influential groundwork laid by the YMCA.