Worldwide Policy, Surveillance, and Research on Physical Education and School-Based Physical Activity: The Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) Conceptual Framework and Research Protocol

Introduction: The Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) builds on the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) to address gaps in surveillance, policy, and research on physical education (PE) and activity (PA). GoPE! is a worldwide surveillance system of quality PE and school-based PA that informs policy and interventions and allows comparative analysis so that each country and region can check their status and progress. This paper presents GoPE!’s conceptual framework and describes the research protocol as a cross-continental and evidence-based surveillance system. Methods: Based on GoPA!’s framework and informed by the European Physical Education Observatory, as well as framed by the socioecological model of PE, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s quality PE, and the World Health Organization’s whole-of-school approach, the GoPE! stands out by providing a comprehensive methodological approach. This approach relies on independently collected data about PE and PA at school policies, surveillance systems, and research. These data are critically reviewed by local representatives of the GoPE! network of experts. The GoPE! Country Card is the main product released every 5 years. It is a 1-page infographic summary of a country’s key dimensions and indicators. The dimensions are: country and demographic data, PA participation, PE policy, PE surveillance, and PE and school-based PA intervention research. Conclusion: Through its vision and methodological framework, GoPE! aims to contribute to the establishment of a minimum common denominator of quality PE and school-based PA, ultimately informing promotion, advocacy, and agenda-setting efforts to achieve international goals and recommendations for more active, equitable, and healthy children and adolescents, schools, and societies.