How physically literate are children today? A baseline assessment of Greek children 8-12 years of age

ABSTRACT

Developing Physical Literacy (PL) in children is considered a promising concept for establishing active lifestyle habits; yet research evidence is scarce. This study aimed at comprehensively assessing PL in 8-12-year-old Greek children. For that purpose, the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL-2) was administered to 715 children (M age = 10.2, SD = 1.3 years). Analyses of variance were applied on participants’ total, domain and individual measures scores, examining potential gender and age differences; whereas, participants’ classification and proportion across CAPL-2 interpretive categories were computed. Results revealed that there were no practically important differences (η² < .14) between boys and girls or younger (grades 3 & 4) and older children (grades 5 & 6). Greek children presented insufficient levels of PL (their total score classified them into “progressing” PL level). CAPL-2 domains and individual measures scores showed that participants were highly motivated and felt confident to participate in physical activity (PA); however, they exhibited low PA as well as unsatisfactory physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in PA. Although further research is needed for a comprehensive picture of PL correlates, our findings highlight the need for providing Greek children with ample opportunities to enhance their PL.

KEYWORDS:

• Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy
• physical activity participation
• children
• healthy development

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research is implemented through the Operational Program “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning” and is co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund) and Greek national funds.