Cardiff Metropolitan University
Browse
- No file added yet -

Definitions, Foundations and Associations of Physical Literacy: A Systematic Review

Download (734.01 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2022-12-12, 12:50 authored by Lowri C. Edwards, Anna Bryant, Richard J. Keegan, Kevin Morgan, Anwen M. Jones

 

Background

The concept of physical literacy has stimulated increased research attention in recent years—being deployed in physical education, sport participation, and the promotion of physical activity. Independent research groups currently operationalize the construct differently.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review was to conduct a systematic review of the physical literacy construct, as reflected in contemporary research literature.

Methods

Five databases were searched using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. Inclusion criteria were English language, peer reviewed, published by March 2016, and seeking to conceptualize physical literacy. Articles that met these criteria were analyzed in relation to three core areas: properties/attributes, philosophical foundations and theoretical associations with other constructs. A total of 50 published articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

The thematic analysis addressed the three core areas. Under definitions, core attributes that define physical literacy were identified, as well as areas of conflict between different approaches currently being adopted. One relatively clear philosophical approach was prominent in approximately half of the papers, based on a monist/holistic ontology and phenomenological epistemology. Finally, the analysis identified a number of theoretical associations, including health, physical activity and academic performance.

Conclusions

Current literature contains different representations of the physical literacy construct. The costs and benefits of adopting an exclusive approach versus pluralism are considered. Recommendations for both researchers and practitioners focus on identifying and clearly articulating the definitions, philosophical assumptions and expected outcomes prior to evaluating the effectiveness of this emerging concept.

History

Published in

Sports Medicine

Publisher

Springer

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Citation

Edwards, L.C., Bryant, A.S., Keegan, R.J., Morgan, K. and Jones, A.M. (2017) 'Definitions, foundations and associations of physical literacy: a systematic review', Sports Medicine, 47 (1) pp.113-126

Print ISSN

0112-1642

Electronic ISSN

1179-2035

Cardiff Met Affiliation

  • Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences

Cardiff Met Authors

Lowri Edwards Anna Bryant Kevin Morgan

Cardiff Met Research Centre/Group

  • Physical Health Education for Lifelong Learning

Copyright Holder

  • © The Authors

Language

  • en

Usage metrics

    Culture, Policy and Professional Practice - Journal Articles

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC