Effectiveness Of School-Based Physical Activity Programs In Improving Motor Skills And Life Skills: A Systematic Literature Review

Physical activity has been widely recognized as an important factor supporting children's physical and psychosocial development. School environments provide structured opportunities where such activities can be systematically implemented through physical education programs. Although previous studies have examined the benefits of physical activity, evidence concerning its simultaneous impact on motor competence and life skills development remains scattered. This study aims to synthesize empirical findings regarding the effectiveness of school-based physical activity programs in improving fundamental motor skills and life skills among children and adolescents. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA procedure using articles obtained from Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and the Directory of Open Access Journals. After applying inclusion criteria, 17 studies were selected for analysis. The results indicate that structured physical activity interventions consistently improve fundamental motor skills, particularly locomotor and object control abilities. In addition, participation in physical activity programs contributes to the development of life skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and self-management. Programs that integrate skill practice, game-based learning, and social interaction demonstrate the most consistent outcomes. These findings suggest that well-designed physical activity programs in schools can support both motor competence and broader developmental outcomes in children.