Systematic Review of Service-Learning in Youth Physical Activity Settings

TLDR

The extent of service‑learning in kinesiology, especially in youth physical activity, is largely unknown. This study systematically reviews service‑learning literature in kinesiology with a focus on youth physical activity settings. The authors searched for and inductively analyzed 42 peer‑reviewed publications, organizing them by key characteristics and trends. The review identified three publication types—research, program overview, and implementation strategy—demonstrating evidence of service‑learning benefits for undergraduates and compiling successful programs for future use.

Abstract

The extent to which service-learning exists in the field of kinesiology broadly, and more specifically related to the physical activity of youth, remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the service-learning literature in kinesiology, with a specific focus on youth physical activity settings. Following a thorough search, 42 peer-reviewed publications were organized around the key characteristics and consistent trends that emerged from inductive analysis. Overall, results separated into three publication types: research, program overview, and implementation strategy. Research publications indicated that mounting evidence exists for the impact of service-learning on undergraduate students, while program overview and implementation strategy publications described a variety of successful service-learning programs that kinesiology educators might emulate in the future. This review provides a comprehensive, evaluative, and current service-learning compendium that can be used to inform further service-learning research and practitioner activities in youth physical activity settings.