Influence of Body Composition on Physical Literacy in Spanish Children

Cross-validation of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy second edition (CAPL-2) for Spanish children

Background/objective

This study aimed to explore physical literacy (PL) using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, second edition (CAPL-2), adapt it to the Spanish context and provide evidence of its validity for use in Spanish children aged 8-12.

Methods

A total of 280 students (150 girls, mean age 10.5±0.9 years) from Extremadura (Spain) completed the CAPL-2. Means and SDs were used to present CAPL-2 scores according to age and sex, as well as frequencies to place participants at different PL levels. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to establish the best model fit for the data.

Results

The median PL of Spanish children was progressing, and girls had a lower PL than boys for all ages except 12 years. The results supported a four-domain model for the CAPL-2 Spanish version and reported good fit indices after CFA (χ2 per df ratio=1.118; P (χ2)=0.256; root mean square error of approximation=0.021; comparative fit index=0.987; Tuker-Lewis index=0.991; normed fit index=0.895).

Conclusion

The CAPL-2 model is a valid and reliable instrument for Spanish children aged 8-12. It represents the first tool that assesses PL in Spanish children, covering the domains of motivation and confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding, and daily behaviour. It may be relevant for all professionals related to physical activity, education and the health field.

Relationship between perceived physical literacy and obesity-related outcomes in adolescents: the EHDLA study

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived physical literacy and obesity-related outcomes among adolescents from Spain.

Methods

This is a secondary cross-sectional analysis including a total sample of 845 Spanish adolescents (55.3% girls) aged 12-17 years from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia) from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) project. Physical literacy was evaluated using the Spanish Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument for adolescents (S-PPLI). Body mass index was computed by taking the participants' body weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of their height in meters, and body mass index (z score) and overweight/obesity and obesity were computed by the World Health Organization age- and sex-specific thresholds. Waist circumference was measured using a constant tension tape. Moreover, the waist-to-height ratio was calculated, and therefore, abdominal obesity was determined. Skinfold measurements were taken at the triceps and medial calf using calibrated steel calipers.

Results

In general, the overall trend was downward (i.e., the higher the PPLI score the lower the obesity-related indicators), with the approximate significance of smooth terms being statistically significant for all models examined (p < 0.001). Adolescents with lower perceived physical literacy (PPL) showed the highest estimated marginal means of body mass index, body mass index z score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and skinfold (triceps and calf) and predictive probabilities of having excess weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity, while their counterparts with high PPL had the lowest. In addition, significant differences were observed for all the obesity-related indications between adolescents with low PPL and those with medium PPL (p-adjusted < 0.05 for all indicators), as well as with those with high PPL (p-adjusted < 0.05 for all indicators). Moreover, these significant differences were also shown for most indicators between adolescents with medium PPL and those with high PPL (except for obesity).

Conclusion

Physical literacy could play a crucial role in maintaining more desirable obesity-related outcomes in adolescents. Adolescents with high perceived physical literacy showed lower obesity-related indicators (i.e., body mass index, body mass index z score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, skinfolds), as well as a lower probability of having excess weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity.

Role of Satisfaction with Life, Sex and Body Mass Index in Physical Literacy of Spanish Children

Physical activity (PL) is essential to achieve good health, prevent cardiovascular diseases, obesity and overweight, as well as to achieve a better quality of life. Therefore, PL could become the tool to increase the practice of physical activity among young people, thus increasing life satisfaction (LS) given its positive relationship with physical activity. A single-measure cross-sectional correlational study was carried out, involving 135 children aged 8-12 years from Extremadura. They were administered the SWLS questionnaire and the Canadian assessment of physical literacy (CAPL-2). Significantly higher levels of PL (p = 0.010) were found in normal-weight children compared to overweight and obese children, due to the physical competence domain score (p < 0.001). PL was directly related to SWLS (p < 0.001), but inversely related to BMI (p = 0.018). The daily physical activity behaviour domain was explained by SWLS (p < 0.001) and sex (p < 0.001). Physical competence was described by SWLS (p < 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.045). Finally, the motivation and confidence domain were only significantly associated with SWLS (p < 0.001). It was concluded that boys and girls of normal weight achieved higher levels of PL and LS than those with overweight and obesity, establishing a negative relationship of PL with BMI and positive with LS.

Portuguese translation and validation of the questionnaires from the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment-2: a pilot study

Background/objective

Physical literacy assessment is considered a vital resource to decrease the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity in children and adolescents worldwide. In Portugal, there is no physical literacy assessment tool for children under 15 years old. The main objective of this study was to carry out a translation and cultural adaptation of the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment 2 (CAPL-2) into Portuguese, as well as to test its psychometric properties, in children between 8 and 12 years of age.

Methods

The questionnaires included in the CAPL-2 were translated using the translation-back-translation method and adapted to their context. The test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the CAPL-2 Portuguese version were analyzed in a sample of 69 and 138 students, respectively, from a school in the Alentejo region (Portugal).

Results

The Portuguese version of the CAPL-2 questionnaires demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.713-0.979) and test-retest reliability ranging from moderate to nearly perfect in the motivation and confidence domain and knowledge and comprehension domain (ICC = 0.549-0.932). The results showed a good fit after adjusting for covariation paths (CMIN/DF = 1.382, p = 0.105, RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.955, NFI = 0.907).

Conclusion

The CAPL-2 version of the questionnaires, translated and adapted to the Portuguese context, demonstrated validity and reliability, making them suitable for assessing physical literacy in children aged 8-12 years.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument-Spanish Version (PPLI-Sp) for Adults

To translate and culturally adapt the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI) questionnaire, as well as to evaluate the factor structure. A single-measure cross-sectional study was conducted. For the first phase of the study, a translation and cultural adaptation of the PPLI questionnaire was carried out, as well as an interview, with the aim of assessing the understanding of the instrument. In the second part of the study, exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factorial analyses were conducted. A total of 213 Spanish adults with a mean age of 27.40 (10.58) participated. EFA was performed because of the good results offered by the sampling adequacy indices (Bartlett test = 1081.848; df = 153; p < 0.001; and KMO test = 0.825). The factor solution comprised three correlated factors:1) physical competence, 2) motivation and confidence, and 3) knowledge and understanding. After the EFA, items 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 were excluded. Therefore, through CFA, a factor structure of 9 items grouped into three dimensions was extracted. The PPLI-Sp version for adults, obtained from the back-translation process as well as after individual interviews, proved to be valid and reliable after the EFA and CFA analyses, obtaining an instrument of nine items, divided into three dimensions. This instrument can be used to determine the perception of physical literacy among different Spanish adult populations.

The Effectiveness of a Physical Literacy-Based Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity Levels and Improving Health Indicators in Overweight and Obese Adolescents (CAPACITES 64)

Recently, the concept of Physical Literacy (PL) has emerged as a key concept for promoting active behavior and improving health indicators in adolescents. Overweight and obese adolescents have a low level of Physical Activity (PA), low cardiorespiratory capacity, and high Body Fat percentage (%BF). However, the development of PL in the interest of health improvement has never been studied in overweight and obese adolescents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an intervention developing PL in overweight and obese adolescents in order to increase their (PA) and improve their health. The study was a prospective, single-arm, non-randomized interventional study. The intervention brings together different actions in PA and dietary education in different adolescent living environments. The study took place over a 9-month period with two data collection times (0; +9 months) and measured Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI z score, %BF and Skeletal Muscle Mass (%SMM), Moderate-to-Vigorous intensity Physical Activity (MVPA) by accelerometry, CRF, as well as PL by the CAPL-2 tool. Thirteen adolescents (age 11.7 (±1.09) years old) improved their PL scores (+8.3 (±9.3) pts; p ≤ 0.01). BMI z score (-0.3 (±0.3), p ≤ 0.01), their %BF (-3.8 (±4.9); p ≤ 0.01), their CRF (+1.5 (±1.7) mL·min·kg-1; p ≤ 0.01), and their MVPA (+4.6 (±13.7) min/day; p = 0.36). Initiating multidimensional interventions to develop PL in overweight and obese adolescents may be a promising prospect to enable an increase in their MVPA and improve their long-term health. Longer-term randomized controlled interventional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Working Memory in Overweight Boys during Physical Education Classes

This study examined the effect of small-sided football games (SSFG) and small-sided Ultimate Frisbee games (SSUFG) on working memory, response times, and feeling mood of boys with overweight. Twenty-eight boys (age 12.23 ± 1.58 years) participated in two trials during physical education lessons (20-min SSFG and 20-min SSUFG) in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover design. The response times and feeling mood were measured for all participants post-exercise through the Sternberg paradigm and feeling scale. For the response times, the paired samples t-test revealed a significantly better reaction time after SSUFG at the "One item level" of the Sternberg paradigm (p = 0.014, Hedges' g = 0.27, small effect) and (p = 0.010, Hedges' g = 0.74, medium effect), at "Three item level" (p = 0.000106, Hedges' g = 1.88, very large effect). The SSFG also showed vigor at the "Five item level" (p = 0.047, Hedges' g = 0.61, medium effect). For the feeling mood, the feeling score was significantly higher after the SSUFG session than the SSFG session and the increase in feeling scores observed after switching from SSFG to SSUFG was significantly different (p < 0.001) from the decrease observed in feeling scores after switching from SSUFG to SSFG. Therefore, the results of the study allow the teacher to introduce new sports and reflect on the motor tasks he or she proposes for boys with overweight during physical education classes.

Perceived Physical Literacy Is Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Composition and Physical Activity Levels in Secondary School Students

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obese adolescents are often associated with lower Physical Activity (PA) levels and low Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF). Recently, the concept of Physical Literacy (PL), has been suggested to be associated with higher levels of active behavior and better health in adolescents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between PL, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels in French secondary school students.

METHODS

The level of PL was assessed in 85 French adolescents using a French version of the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (F-PPLI). Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by the "20 m adapted walk/shuttle run test". The PA level was assessed by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System questionnaire. Weight status was measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI) and the body composition data.

RESULTS

We find a significant association between the PL and the percentage Fat Mass (%FM) (r = -0.43; p ≤ 0.01), between the PL and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) per week (r = 0.38; p ≤ 0.01). The PL was associated (r = 0.36; p ≤ 0.01) with the percentage of Skeletal Muscle Mass (%SMM) and cardiorespiratory fitness (r = 0.40; p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Developing the PL for the most disadvantaged secondary school students in a PA program could be a suitable strategy to increase their PA level, reduce their adiposity, and promote better long-term health.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Physical Literacy Studies in Relation to Health of Children and Adolescents

Regular physical activity (PA) is an essential component of maintaining good health, thereby improving the physical and psychological well-being of the population. PA performed during childhood and adolescence can have repercussions in adulthood, contributing to the prevention of chronic activities and improving quality of life. Given its high relationship with PA, physical literacy could play a crucial role in valuing and participating in a physically active lifestyle, thus addressing low rates of PA participation from an early age. This bibliometric analysis provides a globalized view of physical literacy (PL) and its relationship with health, pathologies, prevention, or intervention among children and adolescents. Publications registered on Web of Science were analyzed using bibliometrics based on data from 141 documents published between 2014 and 2022, while the VOSviewer software v. 1.6.18. was used for the processing and visualization of the data and metadata. The results show an exponential growth in scientific research over the last 8 years, with an accumulation of documents in four journals and a distribution of publications spanning thirty-seven countries and regions. The network of researchers consists of 500 researchers, with the largest number of publications corresponding to 18 co-authors with at least 5 publications. The principal purpose of this research was to identify the most prolific co-authors, most-cited journals and co-authors, and the most relevant keywords.

Assessment of the Relationship between Body Weight Status and Physical Literacy in 8 to 12 Year Old Pakistani School Children: The PAK-IPPL Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Physical literacy (PL) is a multidimensional concept, since it fosters lifetime engagement in physical activities and reduces obesity; however, empirical evidence is lacking to support this association. This study first aimed to establish PL levels stratified by normal weight children and children with overweight and obesity. Furthermore, this study determined a correlation between PL domains and BMI by weight status among South Punjab school children. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1360 (Boys: 675 and Girls: 685) children aged 8 to 12, and was conducted using CAPL-2. T-tests and chi-square were used to determine the difference between categorical variables, with MANOVA used to compare weight statuses. Spearman correlation was employed to determine the correlation between variables; p < 0.05 was considered significant. (3) Results: Normal weight children had significantly higher PL and domain scores, except for the knowledge domain. Most children with normal weights were at the achieving and excelling levels, while children with overweight and obesity were at the beginning and progressing levels. The correlation among PL domains in normal and overweight and obese children ranged from weak to strong (r = 0.001 to 0.737), and the knowledge domain was inversely correlated with the motivation domain (r = -0.023). PL and domain scores were inversely correlated to BMI, except for the knowledge domain. (4) Conclusions: Children with normal weight tend to have higher PL and domain scores, while those with overweight or obesity tend to have lower scores. There was a positive relationship between normal weight and higher PL and domain scores, and an inverse relationship was observed between BMI and higher PL scores.

Research on the Relationship between Physical Literacy, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior

During the COVID-19 pandemic, college students' health-related physical activity and physical literacy aroused widespread concern. This study evaluated the relationship among physical literacy (PL), sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); we further explored whether LAP and SB mediated the association between PL and MVPA.

METHODS

This study was based on a cross-sectional survey of Chinese college students. The Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument Scale (PPLI-SC) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to investigate the PL, MVPA, LPA, and SB.

RESULTS

There were 2996 valid questionnaires with 829 boys and 2167 girls. The MVPA, LPA, and PL of boys were significantly higher than girls, while the SB values were significantly lower in girls (p&nbsp;< 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the two indexes except for SB and LPA. Path analysis shows that PL directly, significantly, and positively affects MVPA. PL reduces SB (β = -0.085, p < 0.001) and increases LPA (β = 0.097, p < 0.001). The total mediation effect accounted for 14.014%, and the mediation effects of SB and LPA accounted for 4.417% and 9.597%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LPA and SB partially mediated the relation between PL and MVPA. SB and LPA partially explain the impact of PL on MVPA. The findings suggest that managing SB and improving LPA could play a significant indirect role in increasing the positive effect of PL on MVPA and that increasing the opportunities for LPA increased the MVPA for Chinese college students.

The Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on Physical Literacy for a Healthy Life

This article empirically provides a global overview of physical literacy, which allows for the understanding of the structure of the epistemic community studying literacy for healthy living. Publications registered in the Web of Science are analyzed using bibliometrics (spatial, productive, and relational) based on data from 391 records, published between 2007 and April 2022, applying five bibliometric laws and using VOSviewer software for data and metadata processing and visualization. In terms of results, we observe an exponential increase in scientific production in the last decade, with a concentration of scientific discussion on physical literacy in seven journals; a production distributed in 46 countries situated on the five continents, but concentrated in Canada and the United States; co-authored research networks composed of 1256 researchers but with a production concentrated of around 2% of these, and an even smaller number of authors with high production and high impact. Finally, there are four thematic blocks that, although interacting, constitute three specific knowledge production communities that have been delineated over time in relation to health and quality of life, fitness and physical competence, education, and fundamental movement skills.

Exploring physical literacy in children aged 8 to 12 years old: a cross-cultural comparison between China and Greece

Background

The concept of physical literacy (PL) has been advocated as a crucial determinant for increasing the quality and quantity of movement and physical activity (PA). Children’s PL has been rarely compared across countries, although it has shown low levels in many countries. This study aimed to explore and compare children’s PL from China and Greece.

Methods

A total of 327 Chinese (47.1% boys) and 295 Greek children (48.1% boys) aged 8 to 12 years participated in this study. Children’s PL was objectively assessed by the Chinese and Greek version of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, 2nd edition, which consists of four domains: Daily Behavior, Physical Competence, Motivation and Confidence, and Knowledge.

and Understanding. Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) on total PL and domain scores were conducted in both countries, respectively.

Results

MANOVA revealed significant differences in total PL and distribution scores between two countries (Pillais’ trace = 0.260, F = 53.855, p < 0.001, η² = 0.260), with Greek children scoring better than Chinese. Nevertheless, most children failed to present an adequate PL level as they were mostly in the “progressing” stage. The chi-square denoted that the distribution of Chinese and Greek participants across the CAPL-2 interpretive categories was statistically different for total PL (χ² [3] = 18.726, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.174), with more Greek children being classified as “achieving” and “excelling”.

Conclusions

The variance between Chinese and Greek children may be attributed to cultural differences in the context of PA, such as PE policies and settings. The relatively low level of PL shown in both countries echoes the global trend of the declining PA among children, with an increasing amount of their time spent in a sedentary lifestyle. These findings highlight the need to consider children’s cultural factors and pedagogical strategies in terms of developing their PL. Future research is required to explore the impact of cultural background on PL development among children and appropriate strategies to migrate their influence.

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

Health literacy (HL) and physical literacy (PL) are concepts responsible for achieving and maintaining positive health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific associations: (i) between PL and HL; and (ii) among HL, PL, and body composition. We observed 253 students attending health-area high schools from southern Croatia (181 girls; 16.9 ± 1.4 years). HL was assessed by the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, PL by the PLAYself questionnaire, and body composition by bioimpedance analysis. The t-test was used to assess the differences between genders, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to establish the associations between variables. The results showed a similar level of HL (t-test = 0.2; p = 0.83) and PL (t-test = 0.01; p = 0.99) in boys and girls. Significant but small correlations were identified between HL and PL only in the girls (<10% of common variance). The body composition indices were significantly correlated with PL only in the boys (15−20% of common variance). Our research highlights the necessity of the independent evaluation of HL and PL in adolescence. Further studies evaluating other indices of health status in relation to PL and HL are warranted.

Spanish Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2 (CAPL-2) Questionnaires

Background: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the questionnaires belonging to the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy-2 (CAPL-2) into Spanish and to explore the reliability for its use in children and adolescents aged from 8 to 12 years. Methods: The CAPL-2 questionnaires were translated using the translation–back-translation methodology into Spanish and adapted to the Spanish context. The test–retest reliability and internal consistency of the CAPL-2 questionnaires of this Spanish version were analysed in 57 schoolchildren from a school in the region of Extremadura (Spain). Results: High internal consistency (α = 0.730 to 0.970) and test–retest reliabilities ranging from moderate to almost perfect in the knowledge and understanding domain (ICC = 0.486 to 0.888); from substantial to almost perfect in the motivation and confidence domain (ICC = 0.720 to 0.981); and almost perfect in the daily activity domain (ICC = 0.975) were found. The test–retest correlation was significantly weak to strong (r = 0.266 to 0.815) in both the motivation and confidence and knowledge and understanding domains, except for the third predilection item and the muscular endurance question. Significant test–retest differences were observed in the first intrinsic motivation item (p = 0.027) and the knowledge and understanding domain total score (p = 0.014). Conclusion: The Spanish version of the CAPL-2 questionnaires, translated and adapted to the context, are reliable measurement tools, serving to complete the full adaptation of the CAPL-2 test battery for use in children aged 8 to 12 years.

Effects of a Physical Literacy Breaks (PLBreaks) Program on Physical Literacy and Body Composition in Portuguese Schoolchildren: A Study Protocol

(1) Background: Several studies have shown that active breaks have led to different improvements in their participants. However, no studies have assessed how they affect physical literacy (PL). (2) Aims: Therefore, this study will examine the effect of the PLBreaks programme on school children's PL and body composition. (3) Methods: A parallel-group randomised controlled trial will be conducted with assessments of PL (Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Development) and body composition (height, bodyweight, fat mass and fat-free mass) before and after an active breaks programme. PLBreak programme will run for 3 months and will be carried out 3 days a week for 20 min each day. The PLBreaks programme will consist of two blocks of 10 min of different physical activities (PA). The first block will be focused on the acquisition of knowledge and healthy life habits that will contribute to the development of the domains of knowledge and understanding and daily activity. The second block will be focused on physical competence and motivation throughout games. (4) Conclusions: The present study will investigate the efficacy of PLBreaks in schoolchildren in improving their PL and body composition. If the efficacy of the program is demonstrated, including the programme in public education programmes can be possible. This could be a scientific breakthrough in terms of health-related PA improvement and adherence, as well as the prevention of diseases associated with inactivity.

Translation and validation of the Canadian assessment of physical literacy-2 in a Danish sample

Background

The aim of this study was to translate the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, second edition (CAPL-2) into Danish language, adapt it to Danish context and to test the measurement properties on a sample of Danish school children.

Methods

The CAPL-2 measurement tool was translated into Danish language and adapted for the Danish context. This Danish version of the CAPL-2 was then tested on 891 Danish school children from 50 classes in 12 different schools.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis using the four-factor model, as suggested by the CAPL-2 original developers, showed an acceptable model fit for the Danish version (CFI = .973; TLI = .957; RMSEA = 0.040 (90% CI 0.033–0.054); SRMR = 0.040). Positive significant correlations between the domains were found. The domains as well as the total CAPL-2 score were found to be positively associated with physical education teachers’ assessment of their pupil’s in four central aspects of PL (i.e. enjoyment, confidence, motor skills, and diversity) indicating predictive validity. High internal consistency of the instrument used to measure motivation and confidence domain were found.

Conclusion

The translated and context-adapted Danish version of CAPL-2 is a valid and reliable measurement tool ready to use in Danish research studies.