A door opener to physical capability and social community: children’s and parents’ experiences of physical activity on prescription by the Swedish school health service
TL;DR
PAP may support children’s well-being beyond biomedical outcomes by enabling participation in meaningful and socially embedded physical activity when adapted to individual needs.
Abstract
Abstract Purpose Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) is increasingly implemented within Swedish school health services, yet little is known about how it is experienced in educational settings. Existing research on school-based physical activity interventions has predominantly focused on medical outcomes, often overlooking contextual, sociocultural, and experiential dimensions. This study aims to explore how children and their parents experience receiving PAP in Swedish schools, using a salutogenic framework focused on health resources and sociocultural integration. Methods An inductive qualitative design was employed. Individual interviews were conducted with seven children aged 9–17 years and seven parents. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results PAP was experienced as a “door opener” to physical capability and social community on participants’ own terms. Tailored and accessible activities, embedded in supportive social environments, facilitated engagement in meaningful movement. These experiences were conceptualized and interpreted through a salutogenic lens as mobilization of health resources, including enhanced well-being, social connectedness, increased motivation, and facilitated engagement in enjoyable movement. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of resource-oriented and context-sensitive approaches in school-based health interventions. PAP may support children’s well-being beyond biomedical outcomes by enabling participation in meaningful and socially embedded physical activity when adapted to individual needs.