Association Between Physical Literacy and Physical Fitness Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Physical literacy (PL) develops the fundamental movement skills, knowledge, and confidence required for lifelong physical activity (PA), thereby improving fitness and overall health. Objectives: To examine the relationship between PL and physical fitness (PF) in children and adolescents. Methods: Databases were systematically searched in 2023, following PRISMA guidelines and using the PICOD strategy across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and SPORTDiscus. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were independently conducted by two reviewers. Extracted data included study design, country, sample characteristics (age and sex), PL assessment instruments, PF outcomes, and main findings. PL was assessed with validated scales, and PF was evaluated with standardized fitness tests. Only cross-sectional studies were included. Results: From the 556 studies, nine met the inclusion criteria, totaling 12,228 participants. Higher PL was associated with healthier body composition and better aerobic fitness, with associations primarily reported through correlation and regression analyses. Physical activity acted as a mediator in this relationship. Conclusions: Improved PL is associated with better PF outcomes in children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of promoting PL to support long-term health and PA engagement. Clinical Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023470224.