Operationally defining physical literacy in Chinese culture: Results of a meta-narrative synthesis and the Panel's recommendations

Ming Hui Li; Margaret Whitehead; Nigel Green; Hai Ren; Chih-Fu Cheng; Linda Li-Chuan Lin; Ching-Ping Lin; Yang Liu; Xu Wen; Si Man Lei; Hongjuan Li; Deng-Yau Shy; Yan Tang; Siu Ming Choi; Yan Huang; Ruisi Ma; Fong Jia Wang; Sitong Chen; Raymond Kim-Wai Sum

doi:10.1016/j.jesf.2022.04.003

Operationally defining physical literacy in Chinese culture: Results of a meta-narrative synthesis and the Panel's recommendations

J Exerc Sci Fit. 2022 Jul;20(3):236-248. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2022.04.003. Epub 2022 May 5.

Authors

Ming Hui Li¹, Margaret Whitehead², Nigel Green², Hai Ren³, Chih-Fu Cheng⁴, Linda Li-Chuan Lin⁵, Ching-Ping Lin⁶, Yang Liu^{7

8}, Xu Wen⁹, Si Man Lei¹⁰, Hongjuan Li¹¹, Deng-Yau Shy⁶, Yan Tang⁷, Siu Ming Choi^{1

12}, Yan Huang¹, Ruisi Ma^{1

13}, Fong Jia Wang¹⁴, Sitong Chen¹⁵, Raymond Kim-Wai Sum¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
² International Physical Literacy Association, UK.
³ Olympic Research Institute, Beijing Sport University, China.
⁴ Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Graduate Institute of Sport, Leisure and Hospitality Management, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan.
⁵ Graduate Institute of Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan.
⁶ Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan.
⁷ School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, China.
⁸ Shanghai Research Center for Physical Fitness and Health of Children and Adolescents, Shanghai University of Sport, China.
⁹ Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, China.
¹⁰ Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China.
¹¹ Fitness and Health Research Institute, School of Sports Human Sciences, Beijing Sport University, China.
¹² Physical Education Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
¹³ School of Physical Education, Jinan University, China.
¹⁴ Office of Physical Education, Tamkang University, Taiwan.
¹⁵ Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Australia.

Abstract

Purpose: The definition of physical literacy (PL) needs to be explored by researchers from educational, public health, and sports organisations in Chinese culture; an adequate definition and theoretical framework of PL can then be embraced within different contexts and according to cultural influences.

Methods: This meta-narrative synthesis of literature in this area included a series of planning, search, mapping, appraisal, synthesis, and recommendation phases. The literature was translated into English and circulated among international experts to seek suggestions. A total of 74 articles were included in the PL definition synthesis and 28 were included for philosophical synthesis in this study.

Results: Based on three rounds of discussions, the final agreement was reached among panel members regarding the defining statements and practical and theoretical models of PL in Chinese culture. According to consensus, PL is the integration of physical, perceptual, cognitive, psychological, and behavioural capabilities, echoing with the need for an active, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle, which involves continuous positive interactions with the environment and embodied engagement in physical activities for life. The framework addressed five domains (physical, sensory-perceptual, cognitive, psychological, and behavioural) and one important overlapping factor (dynamic environment). A further explanation was provided in the defining statement to assist in understanding the concept.

Conclusion: It is suggested that the cultural interpretation and historical background of PL in Chinese discourse should be addressed and respected. The development of a specific cultural definition statement of PL in one country could provide implications for PL researchers worldwide.

Keywords: Chinese culture; Meta-narrative synthesis; Physical literacy; Systematic review.