The spinner model for flourishing through movement: a conceptual framework for exploring the interplay between physical literacy, meaningful physical activity, embodiment, and human flourishing

INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence suggests that human flourishing is not guaranteed, even in economically developed nations, with substantial disparities reported across populations and contexts. This highlights an urgent need for scalable, context-sensitive approaches that support flourishing and holistic wellbeing. Physical activity represents one such pathway, with growing evidence linking participation to psychological, social, and physical dimensions of flourishing. However, many strategies aimed at increasing physical activity overlook the complexity of behaviour change and the socio-cultural factors shaping movement experiences. As a result, physical activity is often framed as a prescriptive health behaviour rather than a meaningful, intrinsically rewarding experience. This paper presents a conceptual framework that integrates meaningful physical activity, physical literacy, and human flourishing to inform policy, practice, and research aimed at fostering lifelong engagement in movement and wellbeing.

METHODS: A Delphi study was conducted with an international panel of experts working across the fields of meaningful physical activity, physical literacy, and human flourishing (N = 8; 75% female). Through iterative rounds of consultation, including focus group workshops and structured evaluation processes, participants provided feedback to refine a preliminary conceptual framework and establish consensus regarding its clarity, relevance, and practical utility.

RESULTS: The Delphi process resulted in a refined framework characterised by enhanced conceptual coherence, stronger alignment with contemporary theory and policy, and greater clarity regarding the interrelationships among meaningful physical activity, physical literacy, and human flourishing. Expert feedback contributed to a more explicit articulation of the mechanisms through which meaningful movement experiences and physical literacy development may support flourishing across the lifespan.

DISCUSSION: The resulting framework provides a theoretically grounded and practice-oriented model for understanding how movement experiences may contribute to human flourishing. By emphasising the quality, meaning, and embodied nature of physical activity, the framework offers guidance for policymakers, public health practitioners, educators, and community organisations seeking to promote sustainable, lifelong engagement in movement and support holistic wellbeing.