Increasing physical literacy in youth: A two-week Sport for Development program for children aged 6-10

Abstract

Regular physical activity significantly improves health outcomes, yet rates of childhood physical activity remain alarmingly low. Physical literacy has been identified as the foundation for quality physical education, suggesting that sport, education, and public health interventions should seek to increase physical literacy to promote physical activity. A two-week day camp program for children aged 6–10 facing barriers to positive development, was developed and delivered by a Sport for Development facility in Toronto, Canada. Utilizing fundamental movement skills (FMS) as a teaching tool and a pre- and post-assessment, the camp aimed to increase physical literacy and promote engagement in physical activity. Results indicate a significant increase in FMS (t (44) = 4.37, p < .001) as well as improved self-perceptions of physical literacy (t (40) = 14.96, p < .001). The largest FMS increases were found in running and balance and the most significant impacts were among low baseline performers.

Primary Care and Physical Literacy: A Non-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Combat the High Prevalence of Physically Inactive Adults in Austria

“…This finding was supported by the fact that a very similar outcome was found in our previous study [39], which can be considered as a direct comparative study. Likewise, our results were in line with physical literacy-based intervention studies targeting different populations, such as firstyear university students [67] or children aged between six and ten [68]. However, due to the nature of a pilot study we must be careful not to overgeneralize the significance of our findings.…”

Fundamental movement skills and perceived competence, but not fitness, are the key factors associated with technical skill performance in boys who play grassroots soccer

“…While the development of relationships and fun is a serious deliberation for soccer coaches, structuring training situations which develop competence (i.e. technical skills) and confidence (via perceived competence) are considered cornerstones in enhancing children's experiences through sport including enjoyment and involvement through the development of physical literacy (Warner et al 2020). The results of the present study highlight a need to consider alignment of theory to practice for the benefit of overall movement in children engaged in grassroots soccer.…”

Impact of the Run, Jump, Throw Program on Fundamental Motor Skills in School-Aged Children

“…Students were placed into small groups and pseudo-randomly rotated through the stations until all stations were visited. This is "carnival style" administration of the BOT-2 has been used in previous research with children (Warner et al, 2021). One week prior to start of the RJT program, the BOT-2 was administered to establish baseline fundamental motor skill levels.…”