At the beginning of the 21st century, the concept of physical literacy (PL) gained significant popularity, building on decades of research in physical education, motor development, and health promotion. This marked a shift away from traditional approaches focused on sport-specific skills or fitness testing, toward a more holistic understanding of human development. Over time, PL has gained substantial traction globally and continues to evolve. It is increasingly recognized as a foundational element for lifelong participation in physical activity—particularly in response to growing concerns around sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity levels across all age groups.

Recent research conceptualizes PL across several interrelated domains—such as movement competence, motivation and confidence, knowledge and understanding, and communication and relationships—with the main aim of empowering individuals to value and take responsibility for engaging in physical activities for life. Importantly, PL can be embedded within a socio-ecological framework that extends beyond the individual, highlighting interactions with interpersonal systems (e.g., pedagogical strategies), environmental systems (e.g., design of spaces and contexts), political systems (e.g., policy frameworks, curriculum analysis), and cultural systems (e.g., variations across cultural contexts). This broader understanding positions PL as a vital framework for supporting overall health and enhancing physical, social, and emotional well-being across the lifespan.

This Research Topic aims to establish an academic forum for discussing PL as a dynamic, lifelong journey. By bringing together diverse topics—including pedagogy, assessment, inclusion, community engagement, technology, and health—we seek to explore their interconnected contributions to individual development within a broader socio-ecological and systemic perspective. We welcome contributions that examine how PL evolves across different life stages, and how personal trajectories in movement are shaped over time through interactions across multiple systems. Of particular interest are studies that explore cultural and national interpretations of the PL concept, acknowledging the importance of context in its implementation. Through this collection, we aim to foster dialogue between research, practice, and policy, and to identify ways in which PL can be more inclusively and effectively supported across the lifespan. Ultimately, we hope to deepen the understanding of PL not only as an outcome but as a lived process that reflects diverse experiences and identities in motion.

This Research Topic invites contributions that explore PL as it unfolds across the lifespan—from early childhood through older adulthood. We encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following key themes:
• Lifespan Development: Investigating how PL develops across different life stages.
• Inclusive Pedagogy: Examining equity-oriented teaching strategies that support diverse learners
• Assessment: Developing and refining tools that holistically assess multiple PL domains.
• Cross-Sector Integration: Exploring collaboration across education, sport, family, and health systems to foster multi-level, systemic impacts that promote sustained engagement.
• Cultural Adaptation: Analyzing how PL is interpreted and applied across national and cultural contexts.
• Technology-Enhanced Learning: Investigating digital tools and gamified environments that support PL development.
• Health Outcomes: Examining the links between PL, physical activity behaviors, and long-term health indicators.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Physical Literacy Across the Lifespan