Is the type of school uniform linked with physical activity levels and physical fitness in schoolchildren? A systematic review covering 1,098,972 children and adolescents
Year: 2025
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Introduction: School uniforms play a crucial role in promoting physical activity among children and adolescents during school hours. This increased activity can help reduce the risk of metabolic and non-communicable diseases, with physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle acting as mediators in the development of these conditions. This systematic review aimed to explore the differences in physical activity levels and physical fitness based on the type of uniform worn by schoolchildren. Materials and methods: The search strategy was performed in eight databases-PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and LILACS-following PRISMA guidelines. They were selected on the basis of the following criteria: they were children and adolescents in school and used traditional schools or sports uniforms with their levels of physical activity and physical condition. Additionally, a manual search was performed on Google Scholar to include gray literature. Results: < 0.05). Two studies demonstrated improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness indicators in adolescents wearing sports uniforms. Population-level data from 135 countries confirmed these individual-level findings, showing reduced physical activity compliance in countries with mandatory traditional uniform policies. Conclusions: The available scientific evidence suggests that sports uniforms facilitate higher levels of physical activity, increased playtime, and improved physical fitness indicators among school-aged children and adolescents, with particularly pronounced benefits for girls. Schools should consider adopting more flexible uniform policies that prioritize comfort and movement to support students' overall health outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024571665.
Institutions: University of the Americas, Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences, Universidad Andrés Bello, University of La Serena, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Universidad de Granada, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Universidad Espíritu Santo, Universidad de Los Lagos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W4417024291