Dean A Dudley

• PhD (UW); M.Sc (Oxford); M.Ed - Research (UW); CAEL (Harvard); Grad Dip Ed (UWS); B.HSc (UWS)
• Associate Professor at Macquarie University

Healthy eating by primary school-aged children is important for good health and development. Schools can play an important role in the education and promotion of healthy eating among children. The aim of this review was to: 1) perform a systematic review of randomised controlled, quasi-experimental and cluster controlled trials examining the school...

Physical literacy is a concept that is gaining greater acceptance around the world with the United Nations Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (2013) recognizing it as one of several central tenets in a quality physical education framework. However, previous attempts to understand progression in physical literacy learning have been l...

Objective To determine the effects of learning interventions aimed at optimizing the quality of physical education (PE) on psychomotor, cognitive, affective and social learning outcomes in children and adolescents. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources After searching PsycInfo, ERIC, and SportDiscus electronic databases, we i...

Teaching Quality Health and Physical Education helps you develop and implement Health and Physical Education experiences in primary schools. It introduces the general principles of teaching and learning in HPE and explains why this learning area is an important part of the Australian Curriculum. Chapters also discuss the considerations and practica...

Physical literacy has received increased research attention over the last decade focusing on the unification of the definition, measurement, and application, including in school and health-based contexts. In 2019, Cairney et al. released a model positioning physical literacy holistically as a primary determinant of health and disease, mediated by p...

Purpose: To assess the implementation of the digital version of the Physical Literacy in Children Questionnaire (PL-C Quest) in a primary school environment. Methods: A mixed-methods study with teachers (n = 13) and students (n = 20) about their respective reflections on administering and completing the PL-C Quest. Results: The PL-C Quest was p...

Introduction : The Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) builds on the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) to address gaps in surveillance, policy, and research on physical education (PE) and activity (PA). GoPE! is a worldwide surveillance system of quality PE and school-based PA that informs policy and interventions and a...

Numerous online surveys are impacted by bot and fraudulent data and the techniques employed are becoming increasingly sophisticated. However, many researchers are unaware of this growing challenge and may not be taking adequate measures to identify and remove this fake data, contaminating their findings. This paper describes the measures taken for...

This study evaluated the reliability and construct validity of the 51-item Effective Early Childhood Physical Literacy Pedagogue self-report instrument (ECE-PLP) measuring Early Childhood Educators’ (ECEs) perceived physical literacy (PPL) capabilities, knowledge, and practices for effectively promoting PL in young children. 494 ECEs completed the...

Background: Physical literacy (PL) as a holistic approach to physical activity has gained growing attention in research, policy, and practice. Many important policy documents in the field (e.g., GAPPA 2018-2030 by the WHO, UNESCO’s quality physical education guidelines for policymakers) have specified PL. However, a clear framework is needed, as mo...

Background Schools are a key setting for promoting children’s physical literacy development. This review aimed to identify school-based interventions that adopted a holistic conceptualisation of physical literacy and examine the effects on children’s physical literacy and any other outcomes, including physical activity (PA). Methods Searches were...

Research has shown that blue space (i.e. water-based environments) can be good for physical and mental health, with one possible reason being that people are physically active when visiting blue space environments. However, little is known about how active people are when visiting blue space. We used the System for Observing Physical Activity and R...

Background The holistic concept of physical literacy (PL) has gained growing attention in recent research, policy, and practice. Many important policy documents of the physical activity and educational fields (e.g., Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 by the World Health Organization, UNESCO’s Quality Physical Education guidelines for...

School violence is of international concern. However, the evidence regarding school violence may underestimate its prevalence. Consequently it is critical to develop effective interventions to address school violence. This study examined a psychosocial intervention based around a 10-week martial arts training program to address aggression. Two-hund...

Introduction Implementing a self-refereeing system presents a unique challenge in sports education, particularly in academic and training settings where officiated sports prevail. However, Ultimate Frisbee stands out by entrusting players with both athlete and referee roles, introducing distinctive ethical complexities. This manuscript is intended...

Physical inactivity has become increasingly prevalent among young children in early childhood education and care settings. One promising way to intervene and promote physical activity in these settings is to develop children’s physical literacy. Where most children spend their weekday in early childhood settings in the care of early childhood educa...

Since 2015, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization has posited physical literacy as a central tenet and pedagogical reform initiative of quality physical education. An assessment of physical literacy is, therefore, becoming an increasingly important aspect of physical education in schools. Internal and external threats t...

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Portuguese Physical Literacy Assessment (PPLA) instruments (a questionnaire and a tool using teacher-reported data). We also investigated the conceptual and practical implications of reflective vs. formative measurement of Physical Literacy using the PPLA....

Background While the burgeoning researcher and practitioner interest in physical literacy has stimulated new assessment approaches, the optimal tool for assessment among school-aged children remains unclear. Objective The purpose of this review was to: (i) identify assessment instruments designed to measure physical literacy in school-aged childre...

Physical activities are generally accepted as promoting important psychological benefits. However, studies examining martial arts as a form of physical activity and mental health have exhibited many methodological limitations in the past. Additionally, recent philosophical discussion has debated whether martial arts training promotes psychological...

Introduction: School is a unique context where equal opportunities for educational and health enhancement can be achieved. Teaching the Portuguese population to interact safely with the diverse aquatic environments is essential due to its geographic, cultural, economic, and social value. Physical Activity (PA) in, on, underwater, known as Blue Phys...

The present video reports the most recent findings of the development of a physical literacy interventions reporting template (PLIRT) Carl, J., Barratt, J., Arbour-Nicitopoulos, K., Barnett, L.M., Dudley, D.A., Holler, P.,... Cairney, J. (2023). Development, explanation, and presentation of the Physical Literacy Interventions Reporting Template (P...

Background The physical literacy (PL) concept integrates different personal (e.g., physical, cognitive, psychological/affective, social) determinants of physical activity and has received growing attention recently. Although practical efforts increasingly adopt PL as a guiding concept, latest evidence has shown that PL interventions often lack spec...

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention lasting 12 weeks on fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed, flexibility, and balance) and adiposity of 10- to 15-year-old students implemented during their physical education (PE). The focus...

Background Research has begun to examine whether blue space is beneficial to mental health. While results are promising, it is difficult to know which aspects of mental health or mental ill-health may benefit most. Physical activity has been proposed as one potential mechanism via which blue space may be associated with better mental health. Howeve...

ABSTRACTPurpose: Following increased interest in physical literacy (PL), development of appropriate tools forassessment has become an important next step for its operationalization. To forward the development ofsuch tools, the objective of this study was to build the foundations of the Évaluation de la LittératiePhysique (ELIP), designed to help re...

Over the past thirty years, there has been a growing body of research investigating the efficacy of pedagogical interventions to enhance the historical literacy skills of primary and secondary school students. However, there exists no systematic review or meta-analysis summarising the impact of such research or the efficacy of interventions trialle...

Introduction: school is a privileged context for the citizens’ equal educational opportunities. Due to the geography, culture, economic and social value of the natural aquatic resources to Portugal, teaching the Portuguese population to interact safely and competently with the aquatic environments is essential [1,2]. This interaction through the pr...

Introduction: physical literacy (PL) can be described as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engaging in physical activities (PA) for life [1,2]. PL is the holistic learning that occurs through movement and physical activity and integrates physical, psychological, social...

Objectives This study examined the physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) along with the developmental progression of 2087 Canadian students. It also examined whether their physical literacy (PL) predicts latent class affiliations and transition probabilities from grades 5 to 6 and whether this affiliation in grade 6 predicts body mass...

Background It is estimated that less than one third of women (28%) worldwide, are not sufficiently active, and there is evidence indicating physical activity (PA) participation is lower during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Despite the importance of educating and encouraging postpartum women to engage in PA, existing systematic reviews have o...

Background Mental health problems are a growing and significant issue in the Australian education system. Research has suggested that resilience can be learned and that schools can play an important role in developing resilient skills among youth; however, rigorous evaluation of interventions promoting resilience is limited. Aims As martial arts t...

Background: The construct of physical literacy is gaining traction internationally and yet measurement of physical literacy is in its infancy. This paper describes the development of a pictorial child report scale of perceived physical literacy based on the comprehensive Australian Physical Literacy Framework, which includes 30 elements within four...

This introductory article explores the concept of physical literacy. It begins by discussing the current defining aspects of physical literacy and provides a pragmatic solution for moving beyond definitions to actions. The article also articulates how this special issue on physical literacy is addressing a range of United Nations agenda initiatives...

While numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of physical activity on cognitive health, learning, and executive function, maintaining physical activity throughout one’s life lies with the acquisition of physical literacy. This article examines how the process of cognitive learning attributed to physical literacy can be understood in light of...

Research shows that schools can make a positive impact on children’s nutritional outcomes. However, it is also reported that schools and teaching staff note many barriers, which may restrict nutritional education programming and delivery. This is concerning, considering the view that teachers are the key agents for promoting health and nutrition wi...

Objective Mental health issues are of increasing public concern, however are often untreated for a variety of reasons. While limited, the research examining the relationship between mental health and martial arts training is generally positive. This systematic review and meta-analysis explored whether martial arts training may be an efficacious spo...

The aim of this communication is to highlight synergies and opportunities between the fields of education, sport and health and the performing arts for the promotion of physical literacy. First, physical literacy is introduced and then defined according to the definition used in this communication. Secondly, we highlight the gap in physical literac...

By using children with developmental coordination disorder as a case study, the current study examines how several core domains of physical literacy interact and change over time in relation to enjoyment of physical education. Data from 2278 children (5% identified as probable development coordination disorder) were collected across six time points...

This paper addresses the inadequate understanding of the concept of physical literacy (PL), often originating from complex terminology and philosophical language used in the current literature, that discourages non-native English-speaking professionals from engaging deeper into the subject. Specifically, this scoping review seeks to identify intern...

Objectives Despite physical literacy receiving increased attention as a potential gateway to physical activity participation, research establishing the link between physical literacy as a higher-order latent construct and physical activity is scant. The purpose of this study was to identify physical literacy profiles of children, and in turn, wheth...

An increased focus on standardized testing of students has had the unintended effect of eroding curriculum time allocated to physical education (PE). The empirical literature on increasing the proportion of total curriculum time allocated to PE was reviewed and a series of meta-analyses conducted to estimate the mean effect of doing so on student l...

Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is perceived to be an efficient way to meet health outcomes in physical education (PE), the effect of HIIT on the learning environment of students is unknown. Purpose : This study compared two PE interventions lasting 8 weeks and assessed the potential efficacy of embedding HIIT into a PE program to...

We provide a meta-analytic review of all group-comparison studies that used reading-level match design, were conducted in highly consistent European orthographies, included children with dyslexia younger than 13-years of age as participants, and included measures of one or more of the potential causes of dyslexia. We identified 21 studies meeting t...

Background: Mental health problems are a significant social issue that have multiple consequences, including broad social and economic impacts. However, many individuals do not seek assistance for mental health problems. Limited research suggests martial arts training may be an efficacious sports-based mental health intervention that potentially p...

Objective: To examine the impact of circus arts instruction in physical education (PE) on the physical literacy of children in Grades 4 and 5. Methods: A clustered, quasi-experimental design was used comparing children in schools with circus arts instruction in physical education (n = 101) with children in socioeconomic status-matched schools using...

Purpose: The development of a physical literacy definition and standards framework suitable for implementation in Australia. Method:Modified Delphi methodology. Results: Consensus was established on four defining statements: Core-Physical literacy is lifelong holistic learning acquired and applied in movement and physical activity contexts; Composi...

Physical literacy (PL) provides a powerful lens for examining movement in relation to physical activity (PA) and motor skill outcomes, environmental context, and broader social and affective learning processes. To date, limited consideration has been given to the role PL plays in promoting positive health behaviours. There is no clear conceptual fr...

Assessment of physical literacy poses a dilemma of what instrument to use. There is currently no guide regarding the suitability of common assessment approaches. The purpose of this brief communication is to provide a user's guide for selecting physical literacy assessment instruments appropriate for use in school physical education and sport setti...

Purpose: Physical literacy (PL) has been proposed as a key construct for understanding participation in physical activity. However, the lack of an agreed-upon definition and measure has hindered research on the topic. The current study proposed and analyzed the construct validity of a PLmodel comprised of motor competence, perceived competence, mot...

Public health campaigns promote regular exercise and physical activity. These campaigns are founded on global recommendations that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise is required, on a weekly basis, to maximise physical and mental health. However, participation in all forms of sports and physical activity has inherent risks that need t...

In this chapter, the notion of health literacy is explored in the context of adolescents learning about health. Up until fairly recently, the concept of health literacy has been driven mainly by health care models and has specifically targeted adult populations. This chapter uses the case studies (Chapters 2–7) provided to explore an alternative wa...

Anti-bullying policies and interventions are the main approach addressing bullying behaviours in Australian schools. However, the evidence supporting these approaches is inconsistent and its theoretical underpinning may be problematic. The current study examined the effects of a martial arts based psycho-social intervention on participants’ ratings...

Background Recent studies have sought to address the limited time for physical activity by focusing on increasing physical activity intensity among students during non-curricula periods and specifically school break times. We objectively measured the intensity of student physical activity (PA) during recess and lunch breaks at primary schools in th...

The purpose of the present study was to determine the associations between social capital domains on self-rated health in small (≤22 students/class) and large (≥23 students/class) secondary school classes. Participants were 3427 secondary school students (50.7% females/49.3% males) aged 17-18 years. The main focus was self-rated health. The social...

Background: Physical literacy is essential to physical activity across the lifespan. While there is an emerging body of research on physical literacy in school-aged children, the preschool years have largely been ignored. We tested the psychometric properties of the new tool, the Preschool Physical Literacy Assessment Tool (Pre-PLAy) designed to ad...

Educational institutions have been identified as ideal locations to implement health promotion strategies that aim to prevent and treat youth obesity. However, the tertiary training of future health promoters currently lacks health and nutrition instruction. This study sought to investigate attitudes towards youth obesity and perceptions of the rol...

Background: Increasing physical activity in children is a health priority. The Healthy Active Peaceful Playgrounds for Youth (HAPPY) study aimed to examine a multi-component playground intervention designed to increase the proportion of physical activity during recess and lunch of primary school students. Methods: The 2016 Australian focused HAP...

This article explores whether the proper use and promotion of the concept of “physical literacy” could be the key to achieving the goals of physical education.

Issue addressed The SunSmart Policy Support and Intervention Study (SSPSIS) (ACTRN12614000926639) investigated the feasibility of improving schools’ implementation of the SunSmart Program, which is a resource for primary school communities to support their development of a comprehensive sun protection policy. Methods A cluster randomised controlle...

This report summarises a literature review conducted in establishing an academically sound research base for the establishment of a physical literacy definition and standard within Australia. In conjunction with this summary report there are accompanying online resources, including: (a) online citation resource including details of all papers sampl...

ASC public resources published under Creative Commons Licence 3.0 ISBN 978-1-74013-124-7 (PDF) Explaining the concept of physical literacy for an Australian audience, design for application in Australian education, sport and health contexts.

Taught well, Health and Physical Education can provide purposeful, stimulating and challenging learning experiences. It can help children to develop sophisticated understanding, skill and capabilities through their bodies and to see greater meaning in not only what they are learning but also their wider lives; and it can enrich all other aspects of...

Background Health literacy research for adolescents and young people has been growing in importance. However, conceptualisation has been largely limited to concepts of adult health literacy in healthcare and disease prevention settings. The challenge for the future lies in developing a coherent concept that combines adolescent development, educatio...

Objectives: Skin cancer represents a major health issue for Australia. Childhood sun exposure is an important risk factor and evidence suggests the use of sun protection measures by Australian school children could be improved. This study examines how the SunSmart Program, a school-based skin cancer prevention resource, can be supported to further...

Background A growing body of evidence suggest an association between physical activity levels and students psychological well-being. A number of research studies have evaluated playground interventions that aim to increase physical activity levels, decrease conflict and bullying, and improve students behaviour. The HAPPY Study will evaluate the suc...

The International Charter for Physical Education, Physical Activity, and Sport clearly states that vested agencies must participate in creating a strategic vision and identify policy options and priorities that enable the fundamental right for all people to participate in meaningful physical activity across their life course. Physical literacy is a...

Background Previous evaluations have supported the link between sun protection policies and improved sun protection behaviours. However these evaluations have relied on self-reported data. Methods A cross-sectional design as part of an ongoing 18-month cluster-controlled trial in primary schools (n = 20) was used. Researchers conducted direct obse...

Background The United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) recognizes quality physical education (QPE) must, along with physical, social and affective educative goals, seek to improve the health status of youth (UNESCO, 2015). Health-Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) is a model of physical education (PE) that seeks...

Objectives: To synthesize and review pedagogically informed interventions that increase nutrition knowledge and decrease weight prejudice among practicing and pre-service health and education professionals. These factors have been addressed as separate entities in intervention-based research and this represents a gap in current literature. The over...

The following commentary proposes that the current identification protocols for identifying children with neuro-developmental behavioral intellectual disorders (NDBIDs) are limited. Increasing prevalence of physical inactivity in children and those diagnosed with NDBIDs creating public health concerns, new methods of identification, and treatment m...

Purpose: Recent international conference presentations have critiqued the promotion of fundamental movement skills (FMS) as a primary pedagogical focus. Presenters have called for a debate about the importance of, and rationale for teaching FMS, and this letter is a response to that call. The authors of this letter are academics who actively engage...

Unpacking the meaning of physical literacy for different stakeholders within the Australian system, and answering FAQs about the way these statements were developed.

In this commentary, an argument for using physical literacy as a guiding framework for the design, implementation and evaluation of physical activity interventions targeting cognitive development in early childhood is offered. While physical activity and exercise have been shown to be positively linked to cognitive development, selecting the right...

The role of the facilitator has become almost synonymously associated with student-centered approaches. However, how a teacher functions as a facilitator is less well defined. This article begins to define teacher action in student-centered learning environments. Through an exploration of teacher behavior, teacher–student interactions, and discussi...

Physical activity affords a host of physical and cognitive benefits for children. Physical education classes are one such venue where children can reap recommended amounts of physical activity. However, little research has explored evidence-based physical education instruction, particularly in culturally and linguistically diverse schools. No studi...