# Development of physical literacy in school children and adolescents through the intervention of a multicomponent program of physical activity in the natural environment

## TL;DR

A six-day outdoor physical activity program significantly improved children's and adolescents' physical literacy, self-confidence, and communication skills.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates that a multicomponent outdoor physical activity program enhances physical literacy domains in school children and adolescents.

## Key findings

- The intervention group showed significant improvements in sense of self and self-confidence (p < 0.001).
- Self-expression and communication with others also improved significantly (p < 0.001).
- Overall physical literacy scores increased significantly in the intervention group (p < 0.001).

## Abstract

Physical literacy (PL) is foundational for integrated education. Through physical movement, it is possible to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes, and confidence, producing improvements at the physical, mental, emotional, and social levels. This study aimed to analyze the effects of an intervention based on a multicomponent physical activity (PA) program in the natural environment on the development of PL domains in children and adolescents.

This randomized controlled trial included an intervention group (n = 102) and a control group (n = 104). Over six consecutive days, the intervention group participated in a multicomponent outdoor PA program, while the control group continued their regular Physical Education classes. The analyses were performed using repeated-measures ANOVA, with eta squared (η2p) as the effect size indicator.

The intervention group showed significant improvements in Factor 1, sense of self and self-confidence (p < 0.001); Factor 2, self-expression and communication with others (p < 0.001); and PL (p < 0.001).

Participation in a multicomponent outdoor PA program can effectively promote the development of PL, sense of self and self-confidence, and self-expression and communication with others.