AUTHOR=Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Galán-Arroyo Carmen , Rojo-Ramos Jorge TITLE=Development of physical literacy in school children and adolescents through the intervention of a multicomponent program of physical activity in the natural environment JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025 YEAR=2026 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1686706 DOI=10.3389/fspor.2025.1686706 ISSN=2624-9367 ABSTRACT=Background/objectivesPhysical literacy (PL) is foundational for integrated education. Through physical movement, it is possible to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes, and confidence, producing improvements at the physical, mental, emotional, and social levels. This study aimed to analyze the effects of an intervention based on a multicomponent physical activity (PA) program in the natural environment on the development of PL domains in children and adolescents.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included an intervention group (n = 102) and a control group (n = 104). Over six consecutive days, the intervention group participated in a multicomponent outdoor PA program, while the control group continued their regular Physical Education classes. The analyses were performed using repeated-measures ANOVA, with eta squared (η2p) as the effect size indicator.ResultsThe intervention group showed significant improvements in Factor 1, sense of self and self-confidence (p < 0.001); Factor 2, self-expression and communication with others (p < 0.001); and PL (p < 0.001).ConclusionsParticipation in a multicomponent outdoor PA program can effectively promote the development of PL, sense of self and self-confidence, and self-expression and communication with others.