The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program: An Invited Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Childhood Education
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a significant global health issue requiring early childhood intervention.
• Schools are critical settings for influencing children's physical activity behaviors.
• Barriers often impede the successful implementation of school-based physical activity initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive overview of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) concept and framework.
• To consolidate historical, conceptual, empirical, and practical perspectives on CSPAP.
• To address the need for an updated panorama of CSPAP literature.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing historical, conceptual, empirical, and practical aspects of CSPAP.
• Analysis of the public health context and origins of CSPAP.
• Inclusion of research examples and professional practice frameworks.

Main Results:

• CSPAP is presented as a promising approach to institutionalizing physical activity in schools.
• The article provides a historical perspective on CSPAP's evolution.
• Evidence-informed frameworks and principles for professional practice are discussed.

Conclusions:

• CSPAP offers a structured approach to address physical inactivity in school settings.
• Further research and evidence-informed practices are recommended to advance CSPAP implementation.
• Institutionalizing physical activity through CSPAP is crucial for public health.