European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying actual numbers of original empirical studies on physical literacy currently existed, and quantifying its findings. Records identified through Web of Science (WoS) Core Collections, IngentaConnect, PubMed Central and Medline databases, with some additional records from Google Scholar database for studies published outside commercial or academic publishing channels (grey literature) such as postgraduate thesis output etc. Only original research article (primary source) accepted, involving specific test to measure physical literacy related items as per definition given in this review. Participants of the selected studies were of all ages, with both quantitative and qualitative methods of study either acute of longitudinal in nature are accepted. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was used. Database searched after first initial screening produced 135 records. Records after duplicates removed were 111. Second level screening resulted in 86 articles eliminated and 25 selected for further assessment based on eligibility criteria. Articles assessed for eligibility resulted in 13 articles, which 4 full-text articles were later excluded, with reasons. At the end, only 9 studies included in synthesis of results. More studies are needed in the area of physical literacy. Main priority would be to improve number of studies concerning reliability and validity of instruments, production of more quality studies with low risk of bias, studies concerning profiling of physical literacy among populations, and impact of physical literacy on other part of daily life.