Leveraging the construct of physical literacy to promote physical activity for youth with obesity - A qualitative analysis of physical therapists' perceptions

Matthew K Paponetti; Christin Zwolski; Rose Porter; Mark V Paterno

doi:10.1016/j.obpill.2022.100054

Leveraging the construct of physical literacy to promote physical activity for youth with obesity - A qualitative analysis of physical therapists' perceptions

Obes Pillars. 2022 Dec 29:5:100054. doi: 10.1016/j.obpill.2022.100054. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Authors

Matthew K Paponetti^{1

2}, Christin Zwolski^{3

4}, Rose Porter⁵, Mark V Paterno^{3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 584 County Line Road West, Westerville, OH, 43082, United States.
² Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.
³ Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
⁴ Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
⁵ Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.

Abstract

Background: Promoting physical activity has been identified as a pillar of obesity treatment and prevention. However, youth with obesity often present with physical, affective, and environmental barriers to physical activity engagement. The construct of physical literacy, which has garnered international attention as a holistic approach to understanding human movement, may improve physical activity promotion strategies for youth with obesity. However, literature has shown that healthcare providers are not engaged with the construct of physical literacy.

Methods: This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach and interpretivist epistemology. Three phases of data collection included member checks, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group with physical therapists treating youth with orthopedic and sport injuries. Simultaneous data collection and inductive analysis was designed to identify themes reflecting how participants utilized the construct of physical literacy to promote physical activity in a clinical setting.

Results: Four overarching themes were identified in our analysis as strategies for promoting activity and physical literacy development: 1) Movement Experience, 2) Individualized Care, 3) Movement Momentum, and 4) External Factors.

Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the usefulness of applying a physical literacy lens within physical activity promotion efforts among youth, which may be particularly important for youth with obesity. A high value was placed on the affective and behavioral determinants of physical activity. By applying a physical literacy lens, healthcare providers treating youth with obesity may be better equipped to address barriers and promote participation in physical activities that are enjoyable and build confidence. The findings from this study provide a foundation for future studies examining how healthcare providers can leverage the construct of physical literacy to improve physical activity outcomes among youth.

Keywords: Children; Obesity pediatrics; Physical activity; Physical literacy; Physical therapy.