Adolescents with Higher Cognitive and Affective Domains of Physical Literacy Possess Better Physical Fitness: The Importance of Developing the Concept of Physical Literacy in High Schools

Abstract

Physical literacy (PL) is thought to facilitate engagement in physical activity, which could lead to better physical fitness (PF). The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of the Croatian version of two frequently applied PL questionnaires that evaluate knowledge and understanding, perceived competence, environment, and value for literacy, numeracy, and PL and validity regarding correlation with objectively evaluated PF in adolescents. Five hundred forty-four high school students (403 females, 141 males) from Croatia were tested on PF (standing long jump, sit-ups for 30 s, sit-and-reach test, multilevel endurance test) and two PL questionnaires. The reliability of the Croatian version of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy knowledge and understanding (CAPL-2-KU) and PLAYself was good (α = 0.71–0.81 for PLAYself subscales, κ = 0.39–0.69 for CAPL-2-KU). Genders differed in the self-description dimension of PLAYself, with higher results in boys (Z = 3.72, p < 0.001). CAPL-2-KU and PLAYself total score were associated with PF in boys and girls, with PLAYself having stronger associations with PF. This research supports the idea of PL as an essential determinant for the development of PF, highlighting the necessity of the development of cognitive and affective domains of PL in physical education throughout a specifically tailored pedagogical process.

Specificity of the Associations between Indices of Cardiovascular Health with Health Literacy and Physical Literacy; A Cross-Sectional Study in Older Adolescents

“…A total score of 100 indicated the maximum self-perceived PL. The study employed the Croatian version of the PLAYself questionnaire, which produced reliable results in previous works regarding Croatian adolescents [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Are Health Literacy and Physical Literacy Independent Concepts? A Gender-Stratified Analysis in Medical School Students from Croatia

“…A study on Canadian children and adolescents aged 8–14 years recorded no differences between males and females in confidence, motivation, and knowledge domains of PL [ 34 ], which was also confirmed in a study on Canadian children aged 8–12 years [ 35 ]. A very recent study conducted on high school students aged 14–18 years from continental Croatia also did not find differences between the boys and girls in PL scores [ 32 ]. The authors explained such findings with the fact that the students have standardized fitness norms in their physical education classes, which enables them to compare their physical level within their gender.…”

“…A total score of 100 points indicated the highest self-perceived PL. In this study, we used the Croatian version of the PLAYself questionnaire, which was previously shown to be reliable and valid among Croatian adolescents [ 32 , 33 ]. PLAYself was conducted using the online platform SurveyMonkey (SurveyMonkey Inc., San Mateo, CA, USA).…”

Pivot from Pain to Productive: Conversations about Weight Management in Youth with Obesity

“…Free play, group fitness, and structured sports with similar-aged friends can positively influence motivation and emotional well-being (27,28). In addition, other components of the PL affective domain (motivation and confidence) influence self-worth, self-perception, and engagement in physical activity (29). In both qualitative and quantitative studies, physical activity is positively influenced by reassurance and autonomy to move as well as avoidance of negativity and judgment (7,26,29).…”

“…In addition, other components of the PL affective domain (motivation and confidence) influence self-worth, self-perception, and engagement in physical activity (29). In both qualitative and quantitative studies, physical activity is positively influenced by reassurance and autonomy to move as well as avoidance of negativity and judgment (7,26,29). HCPs and peers alike are capable of creating an environment supportive of PL and physical activity.…”