Measurements of Older Adults’ Physical Competence under the Concept of Physical Literacy: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Physical literacy, especially in the fields of physical education and public health, has been gaining global interest in recent years. Applying an appropriate method to measure physical competence under the concept of physical literacy for older adults aligns with the goal of healthy aging. In this scoping review, we reflected on previous empirical studies regarding the measurements of physical competence among older adults holistically and systematically to identify and analyze gaps in the topic of “physical literacy” among older adults as a precursor to a systematic review. We searched five databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for Protocols guidelines: (1) SPORTDiscus; (2) PubMed; (3) Scopus; (4) ScienceDirect; and (5) Web of Science. There were 29 studies included in our thematic analysis. Through our review, we found that 73% of the mean age of the participants comprised older baby boomers who were from 65–74 years old as aging continues. Therefore, more effort should be made in developing physical literacy for older adults with the goal of health promotion. Our results showed that most studies adopted both self-reported and objective measures, in which objective measures were widely embraced by scholars in the measurement, while self-reported measures were encouraged to be included in the assessment as well. Using assessment tools to measure a combination of actual physical competence and perceived physical competence is recommended in the measurement of physical competence, especially in older adults. In addition, other elements of physical literacy should be taken into account when measuring physical competency in older adults. For future implementation, when framing the model to chart physical literacy for older adults, it is important to review the definition again and adopt a holistic measurement system including every aspect of physical literacy.

Associations between previous sport and exercise experience and physical literacy elements among physically inactive Danes

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Physical Competence, Physical Well-Being, and Perceived Physical Literacy among Older Adults in Day Care Centers of Hong Kong

“…The SPPB summary scores ranged from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better performance. According to a recent scoping review of measurements of older adults’ PC under the concept of physical literacy [ 29 ], SPPB was reported to have excellent test–retest reliability, especially for community-dwelling older adults.…”

What helps older people persevere with yoga classes? A realist process evaluation of a COVID-19-affected yoga program for fall prevention

“…Qualitative data included comments about improved flexibility, mobility, relaxation and/or sleep quality, and appreciation of/enjoyment in the program. Two further process outcomes were identified as data collection progressed and were refined with guidance from the literature: Habit formation [53,54] and Physical literacy [55][56][57].…”

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