Exploring the link between perceived physical literacy and academic performance outcomes: insights from the EHDLA...

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Educational Psychology
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Physical literacy is increasingly recognized for its holistic benefits.
• Understanding the link between physical literacy and academic achievement is crucial for youth development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between perceived physical literacy (PPL) and academic performance in Spanish adolescents aged 12-17.
• To identify specific PPL score ranges associated with academic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) project.
• Assessed PPL using the Spanish Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument for Adolescents (S-PPLI).
• Calculated academic performance by averaging numerical subject grades.

Main Results:

• A positive trend was observed between S-PPLI scores and academic performance.
• Adolescents with high PPL (≥34 points) showed the highest academic performance (mean=6.9).
• Low PPL was associated with the lowest academic performance (mean=6.4), with significant differences noted compared to medium and high PPL groups.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced physical literacy may contribute to improved academic performance in adolescents.
• Findings have implications for physical education, school leadership, and healthcare professionals.
• Promoting physical literacy can be a strategy to support academic success in young people.