Physical literacy-based intervention for chronic disease management: a quasi-experimental study protocol.

BACKGROUND

As chronic diseases proliferate globally, innovative interventions that promote sustainable physical activity are crucial. Physical literacy offers a holistic strategy for the promotion of lifelong health. This protocol describes a study investigating the effects of the integration of physical literacy principles in community-based physical activity group sessions in adults with chronic diseases. The primary outcome of this study is the physical literacy level (global physical literacy score and sub-scores) of participants.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study will compare three groups: a control group, a group taking part in traditional physical activity (TPA) group sessions tailored for adults with chronic disease focusing on physical fitness general improvement, and a group taking part in TPA sessions that incorporates physical literacy goals and intervention content in line with 6 core dimensions of physical literacy (TPA + PL). Intervention groups will take part in 12 one-and-a-half-hour sessions organised weekly over a 3-month cycle. The study will assess the impact of these interventions using a mixed qualitative and quantitative physical literacy assessment tool at baseline (physical tests for the physical competence dimension; questionnaire for the 5 other core dimensions), three months (post-intervention), and six months (follow-up).

DISCUSSION

This studypresents an innovative intervention for chronic disease population through physical literacy, hypothesising that integrating physical literacy dimensions in tailored physical activity group sessions can significantly improve physical literacy to improve physical activity sustainability and health outcomes. Results from this study will provide insights into the efficacy of physical literacy interventions compared to traditional approaches, potentially guiding future public health initiatives and chronic disease management strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT06325306 (21/03/2024).