Physical Literacy: Innovative Pathways for Lifelong Activity, Inclusion, and Well-being

Physical literacy is recognized as a dynamic, lifelong journey fundamental to fostering health, well-being, and sustained engagement in physical activity. Rather than being a static skill acquired only in childhood or adolescence, physical literacy evolves across each life stage, encompassing motivational, cognitive, and physical elements adaptable to diverse needs and contexts. This comprehensive concept is now central to educational, community, and policy initiatives that aim to empower individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in physical activity, sports, and recreation.

This collection seeks to advance our understanding of physical literacy by exploring critical transitions across the lifespan—from nurturing foundational movement skills in early childhood, addressing declines during adolescence, adapting strategies for adults balancing competing demands, to empowering older adults to maintain independence and health. It highlights the importance of tailored interventions, innovative teaching methods, and inclusive approaches that bridge formal and informal learning environments, ensuring that physical literacy is accessible for all, including individuals with impairments and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Key themes include but are not limited to:
• The evolution and continuity of physical literacy across the lifespan
• Inclusive and community-based approaches to supporting physical literacy
• Innovative teaching and assessment strategies in schools, communities, and recreational settings
• The impact of technology and digital tools in fostering lifelong physical activity
• The roles of motivation, confidence, and autonomy in sustaining participation
• The influence of culture and cross-cultural approaches to physical literacy promotion
• The relationship of physical literacy with global goals, notably the United Nations SDGs related to health, education, and reducing inequalities

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: physical literacy, children, adolescents, young adults, older adults

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.