Abstract
Simple SummaryAlarming data on physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles in children and young people are increasing. The level of physical fitness is considered a predictor of morbidity and comorbidities resulting from physical inactivity. Physical literacy, which includes the assessment of physical fitness, could be considered a crucial element for understanding adolescents’ health status and physical activity-related behaviours. Moreover, the self-perceived physical fitness should also be considered. Thus, this study analysed the relationship between physical literacy and self-perceived physical fitness in children and adolescents aged 8–12 years. It could be concluded that a higher level of self-perceived physical fitness would be associated with a greater level of physical literacy.Background: Physical fitness is considered a predictor of mortality and comorbidities resulting from physical inactivity in children and adolescents. Physical literacy provides a robust and comprehensive assessment of physical fitness. Thus, it is considered a crucial element for understanding children and adolescents’ health status and their physical activity-related behaviours. Moreover, the self-perceived fitness should also be considered. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the relationship between physical literacy and self-perceived physical fitness in children and adolescents aged 8–12 years. Methods: A single-measure cross-sectional study was conducted with 135 children and adolescents. Anthropometric measurements and the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Development (CAPL-2) were applied. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated. The Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A) scale was also administered to assess participants’ self-perceived fitness. Results: Moderate significant correlations were found between “physical competence”, “motivation and confidence”, and the total CAPL-2 score with FP VAS A. Conclusions: The influence of motivation on self-perceived fitness has been demonstrated. Moreover, cardiorespiratory fitness could be considered one of the most relevant and influential factors in the total CAPL-2 score. It means that higher levels of self-perceived fitness would be associated with greater levels of physical literacy.
Highlights
IntroductionChildhood obesity is considered one of the main public health problems nowadays [1].Numerous studies have analysed the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity inSpain: e.g., the ALADINO 2019 study [2], with a prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Spanish children population aged 6–9 years of 23.3% and 13.7%, respectively; the PASOS study [3], which shows a prevalence of 20.7% of children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 years (both inclusive) who are overweight and 14.2% who are obese; and the SpanishNational Health Survey [4], which indicates that the prevalence of childhood obesity reaches more than one in ten children (10.3% in 2–17 year olds).Obesity may be due to several factors including physical inactivity as well as high levels of sedentary lifestyles [5]
The present study found a relationship between physical literacy and self-perceived physical fitness in children and adolescents
The results focused on the influence of motivation on self-perceived fitness, which could be explained by the influence of self-concept and self-esteem, as well as a concern for physical appearance as related to physical activity during adolescence
Summary
Childhood obesity is considered one of the main public health problems nowadays [1].Numerous studies have analysed the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity inSpain: e.g., the ALADINO 2019 study [2], with a prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Spanish children population aged 6–9 years of 23.3% and 13.7%, respectively; the PASOS study [3], which shows a prevalence of 20.7% of children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 years (both inclusive) who are overweight and 14.2% who are obese; and the SpanishNational Health Survey [4], which indicates that the prevalence of childhood obesity reaches more than one in ten children (10.3% in 2–17 year olds).Obesity may be due to several factors including physical inactivity as well as high levels of sedentary lifestyles [5]. Several studies have reported alarming data on physical inactivity in children and young people [4,6] Data such as the fact that 35.3% of the population between 15 and 69 years of age does not reach the level of healthy physical activity recommended by the WHO should be considered [4]. Physical fitness is considered a predictor of mortality and comorbidities resulting from physical inactivity in children and adolescents. Physical literacy provides a robust and comprehensive assessment of physical fitness It is considered a crucial element for understanding children and adolescents’ health status and their physical activity-related behaviours. This study aims to analyse the relationship between physical literacy and self-perceived physical fitness in children and adolescents aged 8–12 years. Results: Moderate significant correlations were found between “physical competence”, “motivation and confidence”, and the total CAPL-2 score with FP
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