Effectiveness and Challenges of Gamification in Physical Education: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.2.04Keywords:
gamification, physical education, motivation, student engagementAbstract
Background. Physical education faces challenges in increasing student motivation, participation, and engagement. One innovative approach that has emerged is gamification, defined as the application of game elements in a learning context.
Objectives. This study examines the effectiveness and challenges of implementing gamification in physical education through a systematic literature review.
Materials and Methods. The review included literature searches using the keywords “gamification” OR “gamified” AND “physical education” OR “PE”. Article selection followed the PRISMA procedure, and content analysis was conducted based on the dimensions of effectiveness and challenges of gamification in physical education. A total of 496 articles were initially identified from the Scopus and ERIC databases. After the screening process, 25 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were included in the analysis.
Results. The results indicate that gamification positively contributes to increased motivation, student engagement, physical activity, motor skill development, academic achievement, and the strengthening of personality and social skills in physical education. Identified challenges include limitations in technological infrastructure, low levels of digital literacy among teachers, gamification designs that are not contextually appropriate, short intervention durations, and the lack of standardized evaluation tools.
Conclusions. The study contributes to the development of innovative, technology-based, and adaptive physical education strategies. The findings can guide the design of physical education learning that is more innovative, contextual, and responsive to students’ needs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ni Putu Dwi Sucita Dartini, I Wayan Artanayasa, Kadek Rihendra Dantes, Dewa Gede Hendra Divayana, I Ketut Sudiana, I Ketut Yoda
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