Alignment of physical education curricula with physical literacy across Europe: an observational mapping study with country-level predictors

Carl, J; Salin, K; Barnett, LM; Foweather, L; Jurak, G; Martins, J; Müller, I; O'Brien, W; Venetsanou, F; Singh, A; Elsborg, P; Goss, H; Lundvall, S; Pavlova, I; D'Anna, C; Vlček, P; EUROPLIT group; Algurén, B; Antala, B; Bartle, G; Birch, J; Bryant, A; Carlos-Vivas, J; Christodoulides, E; Cowley, JG; Csányi, T; De Martelaer, K; Emeljanovas, A; Eren, G; Fernāte, A; Gilic, B; Gisladottir, T; Green, N; Groffik, D; Heck, S; van Hilvoorde, I; Huhtiniemi, M; Iconomescu, TM; Jaunig, J; Jones, E; Kelso, A; Koka, A; Kreinbucher-Bekerle, C; Laudańska-Krzemińska, I; Masanovic, B; McFlynn, P; McKee, M; Mendoza-Muñoz, M; Melby, PS; Mieziene, B; Milanović, I; Mileva, E; Mouton, A; Németh, Z; Olaru, BS; Onofre, M; Petrytsa, P; Pihu, M; Popeska, B; Popovic, S; Poweleit, A; Janić, SR; Riga, V; Schnitzler, C; Sekulic, D; Semyonova, M; Smila, B; Töpfer, C; Tsivitanidou, O; Vašíčková, J; Winje, Ø; Zito, V; Yıldızer, G

Alignment of physical education curricula with physical literacy across Europe: an observational mapping study with country-level predictors

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Carl, J ORCID: 0000-0001-7393-0450, Salin, K, Barnett, LM, Foweather, L ORCID: 0000-0001-9851-5421, Jurak, G, Martins, J ORCID: 0000-0002-2540-6678, Müller, I ORCID: 0000-0002-6397-9979, O'Brien, W ORCID: 0000-0001-6801-7341, Venetsanou, F ORCID: 0000-0003-3633-4398, Singh, A, Elsborg, P ORCID: 0000-0002-1770-2274, Goss, H, Lundvall, S, Pavlova, I ORCID: 0000-0002-8111-4469, D'Anna, C ORCID: 0000-0003-0216-0318, Vlček, P, EUROPLIT group, Algurén, B, Antala, B, Bartle, G et al (2026) Alignment of physical education curricula with physical literacy across Europe: an observational mapping study with country-level predictors. Lancet Regional Health Europe, 65. p. 101641. ISSN 2666-7762

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Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101641

Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101641 (Published version)

Abstract

Background: Physical literacy (PL) is recognised by UNESCO and WHO for fostering lifelong physical activity. Although PL stands on the global agenda of health and education policies, analyses of the adoption by European education are scant. This study aimed to map the alignment of physical education with PL in Europe, explore potential predictors at country level, and identify country ‘alignment laggards’.

Methods: Experts from 40 European countries assessed the alignment of national physical education curricula with PL using a pre-validated 15-indicator survey (α = 0·86). Country-level PL alignment scores were calculated and mapped. Regression models investigated whether these scores were predicted by educational attainment (PISA), human development (Human Development Index), relative economic strength (Gross Domestic Product/Capita), societal liberty (Human Freedom Index), and innovation spirit (Global Innovation Index). Residual errors were computed to identify association-adjusted ‘laggards’ in curricular PL alignment.

Findings: Significant heterogeneity in PL alignment existed across Europe. Estonia, Wales, Finland, and Norway showed the highest, and Romania, Croatia, Cyprus, and England the lowest PL alignment. Countries' educational attainment (β = 0·43 [CI<inf>95</inf> 0·13, 0·65], p = 0·0062), human development (β = 0·32 [CI<inf>95</inf> 0·011, 0·58], p = 0·043), and innovation spirit (β = 0·32 [CI<inf>95</inf> 0·0071, 0·58], p = 0·046) were significantly associated with curricular PL alignment but not relative economic strength and liberty. A total of 17 European countries were consistent ‘laggards’ in curricular PL alignment across all significant predictors.

Interpretation: PL policies follow educational, developmental, and innovative gradients. Stakeholders should integrate PL as a strategic lever to transform physical education, guiding curricula and programmes to foster health through lifelong physical activity. Funding: None.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	EUROPLIT group; Children; Curriculum; Exercise; Physical activity; Schools; Teaching; Wellbeing; 39 Education; 4206 Public Health; 42 Health Sciences; Prevention; 4 Quality Education
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Elsevier BV
Date of acceptance:	20 February 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	1 May 2026
Date Deposited:	01 May 2026 13:55
Last Modified:	01 May 2026 13:55
DOI or ID number:	10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101641
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28512

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