Development of physical literacy in school children and adolescents through the intervention of a multicomponent program of physical activity in the natural environment

Background/objectives Physical 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. Methods This 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 ( η 2 p) as the effect size indicator. Results The 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). Conclusions Participation 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.