Physical Literacy and Physical Activity Across the Life Span: A Systematic Review

Deirdre Dlugonski, Noah Gadd, Chloe McKay, Rachel R. Kleis, Johanna M. Hoch

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Context: Physical activity levels are low across the life span. Physical literacy has been proposed as a holistic construct to explain, predict, and increase physical activity. The purpose of this systematic review was to qualitatively describe and critically evaluate the current evidence that examines the relationship between physical literacy and physical activity across the life span. Design: A systematic search of six databases was conducted with the search terms “physical activity” and “physical literacy.” Eligibility Criteria: Peer-reviewed, English-language articles that included measures of physical literacy and physical activity and examined the relationship between these variables were selected for review. Study Selection: Cross-sectional, prospective, and experimental studies were included. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome variables were physical literacy and physical activity. Results: A total of 17 studies were included in this review. Most studies were cross-sectional and focused on youth populations. Studies in this review used several different measurement tools to assess physical literacy and varied in the domains included within physical literacy. Conclusions: There is a need for valid and reliable measurement tools to assess physical literacy as a holistic construct, as well as studies with prospective designs, to understand the strength of the relationship between physical literacy and physical activity across the life span.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere000201
JournalTranslational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine
Volume7
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 21 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2022 by the American College of Sports Medicine.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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