Analyzing Associations Between Health Literacy, Physical Literacy, and Physical Activity: A Structural Comparison of Exercising and Non-Exercising Older Women

Health literacy (HL) and physical literacy (PL) are hypothesized to be important determinants of physical activity (PA) in older individuals. The aim of the study was to evidence possible associations between PL, HL, and PA, evidencing structural comparison of exercising and nonexercising postmenopausal women. The sample included 62 females (+60 years of age) divided into exercising (E; n=37) and nonexercising groups (NE; n=25). Participants were tested on HL (via the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire), PL (via the Perceived Physical Literacy Questionnaire), and PA (via the Nordic Physical Activity Questionnaire – short) in controlled settings. Group-specific Pearson’s correlation matrices were calculated to examine associations among PL, HL, and PA. Between-group differences in correlations were tested using Fisher’s z-transformation with false discovery rate correction, and structural patterns were further explored using correlation network analysis. Fisher’s z tests identified significant between-group differences in selected associations, with E women showing a stronger bridging role of PL and weaker cognitive constraints on PA. Network analyses further demonstrated greater connectivity and cognitive dominance in NE women, whereas E women exhibited more differen- tiated and functionally organized relational structures. The results suggest that PA-related interventions targeting older women should move beyond information provision and explicitly promote PL development.