Exploring Variables that Predict Nova Scotia Children’s Physical Literacy Progression from Year to Year

Abstract

Physical literacy (PL) describes the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for physical activities (PA) for life. Although PL has become a popular area of research, how PL changes over time in children has not been considered. The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) protocol accounts for age- and sex-related changes in PL categorizations for 8-12 year-olds. No studies to date have conducted longitudinal research with CAPL data. This study examined whether variables within the CAPL protocol predicted change in children’s overall PL categorization from one year to the next. Based on established age- and sex-based PL standards, 52% of children remained in the same category in year 2. Age and an increase in average daily steps predicted upward and downward changes in PL, respectively. The exploration of longitudinal PL data will provide insight into PL progression that could assist with intervention development.