Effectiveness of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Components in Promoting Students’ Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Steps: Insights From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Guided by the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) model, this systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effect size of each CSPAP component, or combinations, on students’ whole-day moderate to vigorous physical activity and steps. Five databases were systematically searched. Studies were eligible for inclusion ( N = 130) if they met the inclusion criteria (e.g., objectively measured students’ whole-day moderate to vigorous physical activity and/or steps). Each study’s effect was transformed into Cohen’s d using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results revealed that each CSPAP component or combination had varied, though small, effects depending on the physical activity outcome. The number and type of components used were not significantly related to intervention effect sizes. The study findings indicate the need for further research, mainly in secondary school contexts, to examine the reasons for the consistently null or small effects of school-based interventions on students’ physical activity. To enhance CSPAP’s impact, researchers should examine each component more deeply, emphasizing the specific elements within it.