Peer-reviewed article

Toward a 'Holistic' Approach to Promoting Physical and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents Through Physical Activity.

Emonson C, Rinehart N, Pesce C, Agostoni C, Luzi L et al. · 14 Jul 2026

Abstract

Aim Physical activity in childhood and adolescence is a cornerstone of holistic health, supporting physical growth, cognitive development, emotional wellbeing and social connectedness. We aimed to explore how lifestyle-based physical activity interventions in enriched school and community settings can support development and address health inequities. Methods This paper is a narrative mini-review that discusses the promotion of physical activity for holistic development in the light of a selection of representative and scalable whole-school programs that incorporate transdisciplinary initiatives. In the framework of such scalable programs, we highlight the role of collaborative governance and public-private partnerships, including corporate social responsibility commitments. Results and conclusion Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs and Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child frameworks illustrate the potential of physical activity as an affordable, equitable strategy for promoting children's and adolescents' healthy development. Globally, despite growing evidence of effectiveness, systemic barriers continue to impede the timely translation of scientific evidence into practice and the potential of policy and practice to orient scientific research. To address this gap, new implementation approaches such as the dual-logic framework that integrates scientific rigour with policy-driven pragmatism can play a crucial role in creating sustainable pathways to implement lifestyle-based interventions at scale.