Physical Literacy-Based Intervention for Chronic Disease Management: A Quasi-Experimental Study Protocol

Background
As chronic diseases proliferate globally, innovative interventions that promote sustainable physical activity are crucial. Physical literacy - conceptualised as integrating motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, social interaction, and engagement in meaningful activities - offers a holistic strategy for lifelong health promotion. This protocol describes a study investigating the effects of a physical literacy-based intervention on adults with chronic diseases, aiming to enhance long-term physical activity adherence and improve health outcomes.
Methods
This quasi-experimental study will compare three groups: a control group, a group taking part in traditional physical activity (TPA) group sessions tailored for adults with chronic disease focusing on physical fitness general improvement, and a group taking part in TPA sessions that incorporates physical literacy goals and intervention content in line with 6 core dimensions of physical literacy (TPA + PL). Intervention groups will take part in 12 one-and-a-half-hour sessions organised weekly over a 3-month cycle. The study will assess the impact of these interventions using a mixed qualitative and quantitative physical literacy assessment tool at baseline, three months (post-intervention), and six months (follow-up).
Discussion
The study protocol proposes a comprehensive approach to chronic disease management through physical literacy, hypothesising that integrating physical literacy dimensions in tailored physical activity group sessions can significantly improve physical literacy, and consequently physical activity sustainability and health outcomes. Results from this study will provide insights into the efficacy of physical literacy interventions compared to traditional approaches, potentially guiding future public health initiatives and chronic disease management strategies.
Trial registration
NCT06325306 (21/03/2024).</p>