Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality on Enhancing Physical Education and Fitness Engagement Among Adolescents

• Author(s): Dr Veerendra K M
• Paper ID: 1706639
• Page: 1406-1416
• Published Date: 30-11-2024
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 5 November-2024

Abstract

This study explores the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies on enhancing physical education (PE) and fitness engagement among adolescents, addressing the growing need for innovative educational strategies to improve student participation and physical activity levels in the context of modern technology. Over a 12-week experimental period conducted in various secondary schools, a cohort of 200 adolescents (aged 12-16) were randomly assigned to either a VR/AR-enhanced PE program or a traditional PE curriculum, with each group consisting of 100 students. The VR/AR program integrated immersive, gamified experiences such as virtual sports environments and AR-driven interactive fitness challenges, while the traditional program followed standard physical education routines based on physical activities like running, ball games, and gymnastics. Pre- and post-intervention fitness assessments, including aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength, were performed using standardized tests (e.g., 12-minute run, sit-and-reach test, and push-ups), alongside surveys to measure engagement, motivation, and perceived enjoyment of the PE activities. Data analysis revealed that participants in the VR/AR group exhibited a statistically significant increase in physical activity levels, with a 30% higher average score in aerobic capacity tests compared to the traditional PE group, as well as a 40% increase in student engagement and motivation, as reported through the engagement survey. Additionally, 70% of the students in the VR/AR group reported a greater sense of enjoyment and fun, with 65% indicating they would prefer incorporating more technology-based PE activities into their routine. In contrast, the traditional PE group showed only a 5% increase in fitness scores and a 10% increase in engagement, indicating limited improvement in both physical fitness and motivation. These findings suggest that VR and AR technologies significantly enhance adolescents' engagement, motivation, and fitness outcomes in physical education, potentially offering a novel pathway for improving physical activity adherence in an increasingly sedentary digital age. This research highlights the need for further exploration into the long-term effects of VR/AR on physical education and fitness, particularly regarding sustained motivation and health benefits beyond short-term intervention periods, making a compelling case for future integration of immersive technologies in school PE curricula as of 2024.

Keywords

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Physical Education (PE), Adolescent Engagement, Fitness Motivation, Technological Integration in Education

Citations

IRE Journals:
Dr Veerendra K M "Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality on Enhancing Physical Education and Fitness Engagement Among Adolescents" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 5 2024 Page 1406-1416

IEEE:
Dr Veerendra K M "Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality on Enhancing Physical Education and Fitness Engagement Among Adolescents" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(5)