Nebojša Maksimović

Background. Children and adolescents without parental care due to parental loss resulting from neglect, abandonment, abuse, institutionalization, or other social circumstances represent a vulnerable population. They face physical and mental health challenges, worsened by the absence of stable support systems. Understanding the benefit that sports and recreational activities can have on improving their well-being is essential.

Objective. This paper synthesizes existing scientific evidence of the effects of sports and recreational programs on the physical and psychosocial well-being of children and adolescents without parental care, with a particular focus on their specific circumstances and vulnerabilities.

Design. Eligibility criteria included studies that examined interventions aimed at improving physical health, anthropometric development, and psychosocial well-being among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The focus was on OVC affected by parental loss, abandonment, neglect, abuse, or other social circumstances. All studies were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Results. Six studies met inclusion criteria, with 331 participants aged 5–21 years. The interventions varied in duration, type, frequency, and intensity, lasting from 3 months to 4 years with training from several times a week to continuous participation. Sessions ranged from 10 minutes to 2 hours. Some programs included personal development, motivational stories, arts, and cultural activities. Interventions improved physical fitness, reduced aggression and risky behaviors, and enhanced self-confidence, social interaction, and academic performance.

Conclusion. Included studies demonstrated the positive impact of sports and recreational programs on physical and psychosocial well-being, including improvements in physical fitness, self-confidence, inclusion, reduction of high-risk behaviors, and academic performance.