The Relationship Between Physical Literacy Level and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Adolescents Aged 12 to 19 Years

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD of sport injury. Shahid bahonar university. kerman. iran

2 M.Sc. in Pathology and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Yazd, Yazd, Iran

Abstract
Objective: The decrease in physical activity due to lifestyle changes and the spread of technology in recent years has led to an increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in adolescents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical literacy and musculoskeletal disorders in adolescents aged 12 to 19.

Materials and Methods: The present study is descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included adolescent girls and boys aged 12 to 19, of whom 172 (100 girls and 72 boys) were selected by simple random sampling. Physical condition was assessed with the New York Standard Test and physical literacy level with the Standard Physical Literacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the K-S test to check normality and the Pearson correlation test to analyze relationships in SPSS version 23 software.

Results: A positive and significant relationship was observed between physical condition and the overall physical literacy score (r=0.71, p=0.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between the subcomponents of physical literacy including motor self-confidence (r=0.66), self-expression and social interaction (r=0.62), and theoretical-cognitive awareness (r=0.70) with physical condition. (p=0.001)

Conclusion: Increasing the level of physical literacy is associated with improving posture and reducing the incidence of musculoskeletal abnormalities in adolescents. Therefore, including physical literacy-related education in school physical education curricula can lead to improving the physical and mental health of adolescents.

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  • Receive Date 01 December 2025
  • Revise Date 15 February 2026
  • Accept Date 26 July 2026