The Global Physical Literacy Action Framework: Process and Outcomes.

[en] [en] BACKGROUND: Physical literacy integrates physical, affective, cognitive and social elements into a holistic framework for physical activity. Despite the increasing recognition of physical literacy across many sectors, the entire field lacks a prospective roadmap for research, practice and policy. OBJECTIVE: Seeking to determine the content of a 'Global Physical Literacy (GloPL) Action Framework,' this study aimed to define goals, principles, actions and pathways that can advance the physical literacy field worldwide. METHODS: A group Delphi study (based on published protocol) engaged 59 physical literacy-focused academics from 46 countries, 7 representatives of literature gaps, and 24 individuals representing societies/organisations. The representatives independently generated ideas for action through online surveys (Qualtrics). The ideas underwent reflexive thematic analysis (NVivo), informing the subsequent discussions in six online meetings. All decisions were supported by formal voting with pre-defined agreement thresholds for two rounds of voting. RESULTS: Analysis resulted in 849 initial codes grouped into five themes: advocacy, practice, education, assessment and research. Members discussed 15 central topics, of which six reached agreement in the first voting round and nine in the second voting round. Key recommendations included: establishing a core set of physical literacy elements/principles (advocacy); generating more resources/programmes on physical literacy (practice); aligning physical education curricula with physical literacy principles (education); assessing physical literacy at the population level (assessment); and emphasising implementation science (research). CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive consensus findings will inform the pillars of the first GloPL Action Framework. Its release marks the beginning of a dynamic process intended to guide coordinated actions on physical literacy in education, public health, sport, healthcare/promotion, rehabilitation, active recreation and community services/development.

Research Center/Unit :

RUCHE - Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education - ULiège

Disciplines :

Education & instruction

Author, co-author :

Carl, Johannes ; School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia. j.carl@deakin.edu.au ; Department Health and Sport Sciences, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany. j.carl@deakin.edu.au

Barnett, Lisa M ; School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia

Jerebine, Alethea ; School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia

Mazzoli, Emiliano ; School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia

Mouton, Alexandre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des Sciences de l'activité physique et de la réadaptation > Intervention et gestion en activités physiques et sportives ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health and Education (RUCHE)

Barratt, Jaime ; Department of Educational Studies, Faculty of Education, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

Elsborg, Peter ; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark

Green, Nigel ; International Physical Literacy Association, Wigan, England

Niederberger, Marlen ; Department Methods in Health Promotion and Prevention, Institute for Health Sciences, University of Education Schwäbisch Gmünd, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany

Sum, Raymond Kim-Wai ; Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China

GloPL Consortium

Language :

English

Title :

The Global Physical Literacy Action Framework: Process and Outcomes.

Publication date :

08 August 2026

Journal title :

Sports Medicine

ISSN :

0112-1642

eISSN :

1179-2035

Publisher :

Springer Science and Business Media LLC, New Zealand

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Development Goals :

3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education

Additional URL :

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40279-026-02485-6.pdf

Funders :

Deakin University

Available on ORBi :

since 11 August 2026

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