The relationship between the perception of physical literacy and the level of physical activity of middle school students

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between middle school students' perceptions of physical literacy and their physical activity levels. Additionally, it aimed to investigate whether these relationships varied according to variables such as gender, grade level, weekly step count, affective-cognitive domain, physical domain, and body mass index. Materials and Methods: The research was designed using a causal-comparative (ex post facto) model, which is used to understand cause-and-effect relationships between variables. A sample of 350 students from four public schools in a remote district of a major city was selected. Of the participants, 182 were female (52%) and 168 were male (48%). Perceptions of physical literacy were measured using the PLAY scale, and physical activity levels were determined by daily step counts recorded with the OMRON HJ-320-E Pedometer. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression analyses, and independent group comparisons were made using t-tests and one-way ANOVA tests. Results: A significant relationship was found between perceptions of physical literacy and physical activity levels. Body mass index, affective-cognitive domain, and environmental participation scores did not differ by gender. Female students were found to be more successful in reading and mathematics, while male students showed higher performance in weekly step count, locomotor skills, object control, and balance movements. Physical performance differences were observed by grade level, but no differences were found in step count, environmental participation, or academic scores. A strong positive relationship was found between step count and locomotor movements, and a weaker positive relationship with the affective-cognitive domain. The impact of step count on physical activity was limited. Strong positive correlations were identified between environmental participation, physical education classes, and weekly step count. Keywords: Physical Literacy, Physical Activity Level, Extracurricular Sports Activities, Physical Education and Sports, Physical Literacy Perception