Game-assisted learning in physical education for fundamental movement skill development in school-age children: a systematic literature review
Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia June 21, 2026 Volume 11, Number 1 4 authors
Abstract
The initial search identified 378 records, which were reduced to 364 after duplicate removal. Following title-and-abstract screening, 118 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 50 met the inclusion criteria for full synthesis. Inclusion criteria comprised English-language original articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2020 and 2026, addressing motor or psychomotor outcomes operationalized as performance on a validated locomotor, manipulative, or psychomotor assessment instrument within physical activity, physical education, or rehabilitation contexts involving game-based or technology-assisted interventions; exclusion criteria removed conference papers, editorials, and studies lacking such measurable motor outcomes. Title-abstract and full-text screening were conducted independently by two reviewers, with inter-rater agreement quantified using Cohen’s kappa (k = 0.81 and k = 0.86, respectively), and methodological quality of included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Thematic synthesis revealed four major findings: exergaming and active video games produce consistent short-term gains in gross motor proficiency and muscular fitness; immersive VR and robotic-assisted training enhance task-specific motor control but show limited evidence of transfer to real-world performance; gamified pedagogy increases situational interest, enjoyment, and executive function alongside motor outcomes; and effects are moderated by population characteristics, dosage, and implementation fidelity. These findings carry theoretical implications for motor learning and self-determination frameworks, and practical implications for PJOK curriculum design, teacher training, and inclusive adaptation for learners with special educational needs. Future research should prioritize longer follow-up periods, standardized FMS assessment batteries, and rigorously controlled trials in authentic school settings.
Authors
Gita Sundari
Universitas Negeri Padang
Anton Komaini
Universitas Negeri Padang
Damrah Damrah
Universitas Negeri Padang
Nuridin Widya Pratono
Universitas Negeri Padang
Keywords
Game-based learning; Physical education; Fundamental movement skills; Motor competence; Youth development
References
Barkın, K., Ege, T., Özgün, K.K., Koray, K., & Sedef Ş. (2023). How Does Therapist Guided Game-Based Intervention Program Effect Motor Skills In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?: Single Blind Randomised Study Design. Research In Developmental Disabilities, 137, 104495. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ridd.2023.104495
Becker, L., Büchel, D., Lehmann, T., Kehne, M., & Baumeister, J. (2023). Mobile Electroencephalography Reveals Differences In Cortical Processing During Exercises With Lower And Higher Cognitive Demands In Preadolescent Children. Pediatric Exercise Science, 35(4), 214-224. Https://Doi.Org/10.1123/Pes.2021-0212
Borrego-Balsalobre, F.J., Cavas-García, F., Díaz-Suárez, A., & Martínez-Moreno, A. (2023). Physical Fitness Perception And Physical Education Enjoyment In 11- To 12-Year-Old Children. Children, 10(1), 68. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children10010068
Bossen, D., Broekema, A., Visser, B., Brons, A., Timmerman, A., Van Etten-Jamaludin, F., Braam, K., & Engelbert, R. (2020). Effectiveness Of Serious Games To Increase Physical Activity In Children With A Chronic Disease: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Journal Of Medical Internet Research, 22(4), E14549. Https://Doi.Org/10.2196/14549
Bouzid, M.S., Melki, H., Romdhan, M.B., Hammoudi, S., Khalfallah, W., Rezgani, Y., Racil, G., & Padulo, J. (2025). The Impact Of Video Feedback On Motor Skill And Motivation In Acrobatic Gymnastics Through The Use Of Digital Tools In Physical Education. Journal Of Human Sport And Exercise, 20(4), 1277-1292. Https://Doi.Org/10.55860/Pbyv8s24
Brons, A., De Schipper, A., Mironcika, S., Toussaint, H., Schouten, B., Bakkes, S., & Kröse, B. (2021). Assessing Children’s Fine Motor Skills With Sensor-Augmented Toys: Machine Learning Approach. Journal Of Medical Internet Research, 23(4), E24237. Https://Doi.Org/10.2196/24237
Comeras-Chueca, C., Villalba-Heredia, L., Perez-Lasierra, J.L., Marín-Puyalto, J., Lozano-Berges, G., Matute-Llorente Á., Vicente-Rodríguez, G., Gonzalez-Aguero, A., & Casajús, J.A. (2022). Active Video Games Improve Muscular Fitness And Motor Skills In Children With Overweight Or Obesity. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19(5), 2642. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph19052642
Denysschen, M., Coetzee, D., & Smits-Engelsman, B.C.M. (2021). Children With Poor Motor Skills Have Lower Health-Related Fitness Compared To Typically Developing Children. Children, 8(10), 867. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children8100867
Ebrahimisani, S., Sohrabi, M., Taheri, H., Agdasi, M.T., & Amiri, S. (2020). Effects Of Virtual Reality Training Intervention On Predictive Motor Control Of Children With Dcd – A Randomized Controlled Trial. Research In Developmental Disabilities, 107, 103768. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ridd.2020.103768
Eşkil, K.G., & Gökyürek, B. (2025). Examining The Effect Of Educational Games On Middle School Students’ Attitudes Towards Physical Education And Sports Lessons And Their Motor Skills. Bmc Sports Science, Medicine And Rehabilitation, 17(1), 184. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S13102-025-01240-0
Gashaj, V., Dapp, L.C., Trninic, D., & Roebers, C.M. (2021). The Effect Of Video Games, Exergames And Board Games On Executive Functions In Kindergarten And 2nd Grade: An Explorative Longitudinal Study. Trends In Neuroscience And Education, 25, 100162. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Tine.2021.100162
Ghasemifard, F., Mirzaie, H., Oori, M.J., & Riazi, A. (2020). Characteristics And Efficacy Of Play Therapy Interventions In Visually Impaired Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review Study. Iranian Journal Of Pediatrics, 30(6), 1-8. Https://Doi.Org/10.5812/Ijp.106927
Graser, J.V., Bastiaenen, C.H.G., Keller, U., & Van Hedel, H.J.A. (2020). Contextual Interference In Children With Brain Lesions: Protocol Of A Pilot Study Investigating Blocked Vs. Random Practice Order Of An Upper Limb Robotic Exergame. Pilot And Feasibility Studies, 6(1), 156. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S40814-020-00694-Y
Gu, Y., Chen, Y., Ma, J., Ren, Z., Li, H., & Kim, H. (2021). The Influence Of A Table Tennis Physical Activity Program On The Gross Motor Development Of Chinese Preschoolers Of Different Sexes. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 18(5), 1-13. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph18052627
Guldager, J.D., Emtoft, L.M., Remmen, L.N., & Bentholm, A.L. (2025). Factors Associated With The Enjoyment Of Physical Education Class For Children With Special Educational Needs. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 22(5), 697. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph22050697
Hatfield, D.P., Must, A., Kennedy, W., Staiano, A.E., Slavet, J., Sabelli, R.A., Curtin, C., Bandini, L.G., Nauta, P., Stuetzle, C., & Bowling, A.B. (2023). Gamerfit-Asd Beta Test: Adapting An Evidence-Based Exergaming And Telehealth Coaching Intervention For Autistic Youth. Frontiers In Pediatrics, 11, 1198000. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fped.2023.1198000
Ho, R.S.-T., Chan, E.K.-Y., Liu, K.K.-Y., & Wong, S.H.-S. (2022). Active Video Game On Children And Adolescents’ Physical Activity And Weight Management: A Network Meta-Analysis. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine And Science In Sports, 32(8), 1268-1286. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/Sms.14176
Huber, S.K., Held, J.P.O., De Bruin, E.D., & Knols, R.H. (2021). Personalized Motor-Cognitive Exergame Training In Chronic Stroke Patientsa Feasibility Study. Frontiers In Aging Neuroscience, 13, 730801. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fnagi.2021.730801
Huber, S.K., Knols, R.H., Held, J.P.O., Betschart, M., & De Bruin, E.D. (2024). Pemocs: Evaluating The Effects Of A Concept-Guided, Personalised, Motor-Cognitive Exergame Training On Cognitive Functions And Gait In Chronic Strokestudy Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial. Trials, 25(1), 451. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S13063-024-08283-7
Işıkgöz, M.E. (2025). Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Motivation In High School Physical Education: Which Fuels Adolescent Achievement Emotions Better?. Plos One, 20(6 June), E0327393. Https://Doi.Org/10.1371/Journal.Pone.0327393
Jafari, S., Sabaghi, A., & Ebrahimi, B. (2024). The Impact Of 8 Weeks Of Heidelberg Ballschule Games On The Motor Proficiency And Visual-Motor Skills Of 7-9 Year-Old Female Students. International Journal Of Adolescence And Youth, 29(1), 2435274. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/02673843.2024.2435274
Ju, Y.-J., Du, Y.-C., Huang, H.-C., Hu Kao, P.-S., & Cherng, R.-J. (2023). Development And Feasibility Of A Virtual Reality-Based Exergaming Program To Enhance Cardiopulmonary Fitness In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder. Frontiers In Pediatrics, 11, 1238471. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fped.2023.1238471
Karakaş, G., Eroğlu Kolayiş, I., & Bayazıt, B. (2025). Effects Of Adapted Physical Activity On The Motor Development Of Children With Mild Intellectual Disability. International Journal Of Developmental Disabilities, 71(5), 777-787. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/20473869.2024.2332751
Ketelhut, S., Röglin, L., Martin-Niedecken, A.L., Nigg, C.R., & Ketelhut, K. (2022). Integrating Regular Exergaming Sessions In The Exercube Into A School Setting Increases Physical Fitness In Elementary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal Of Clinical Medicine, 11(6), 1570. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Jcm11061570
Khaledi, M., Heirani, A., & Sabaghi, A. (2022). Effects Of Eight Weeks Of Selected Virtual-Assisted Montessori-Based Games On Motor Proficiency And Perceived Self-Control In Children With Spastic Hemiplegia During The Coronavirus Outbreak. Biomed Research International, 2022, 5792094. Https://Doi.Org/10.1155/2022/5792094
Kolovelonis, A., Papastergiou, M., Samara, E., & Goudas, M. (2023). Acute Effects Of Exergaming On Students’ Executive Functions And Situational Interest In Elementary Physical Education. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 20(3), 1902. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph20031902
Kou, R., Zhang, Z., Zhu, F., Tang, Y., & Li, Z. (2024). Effects Of Exergaming On Executive Function And Motor Ability In Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. Plos One, 19(9), E0309462. Https://Doi.Org/10.1371/Journal.Pone.0309462
Lawrence, M.R., Wan, H.-I., Liu, W., Mcdonough, D.J., Mishra, S., & Gao, Z. (2022). Effects Of Exergaming On College Students’ Situational Interest, Self-Efficacy, And Motion Sickness. Journal Of Clinical Medicine, 11(5), 1253. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Jcm11051253
Lee, H.K., & Jin, J. (2023). The Effect Of A Virtual Reality Exergame On Motor Skills And Physical Activity Levels Of Children With A Developmental Disability. Research In Developmental Disabilities, 132, 104386. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ridd.2022.104386
Lestari, A.T., Zamzami, I.S., Rihatno, T., Dlis, F., Lobo, J., Bachtiar, B., & Setiawan, E. (2023). Blended Teaching To Improve The Mood State And Motor Performance Skills Of Student¬athletes In Softball: A Randomized¬controlled Trial. Fizjoterapia Polska, 23(3), 96-106. Https://Doi.Org/10.56984/8zg1433bb
Li, S., Song, Y., Cai, Z., & Zhang, Q. (2022). Are Active Video Games Useful In The Development Of Gross Motor Skills Among Non-Typically Developing Children? A Meta-Analysis. Bmc Sports Science, Medicine And Rehabilitation, 14(1), 140. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S13102-022-00532-Z
Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P. A., Clarke, M., Devereaux, P. J., Kleijnen, J., & Moher, D. (2009). The Prisma Statement For Reporting Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses Of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation And Elaboration. Plos Medicine, 6(7), E1000100. Https://Doi.Org/10.1371/Journal.Pmed.1000100
Liu, Z.-M., Chen, C.-Q., Fan, X.-L., Lin, C.-C., & Ye, X.-D. (2022). Usability And Effects Of A Combined Physical And Cognitive Intervention Based On Active Video Games For Preschool Children. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19(12), 7420. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph19127420
Mad-A-Dam, W., Komjakraphan, P., & Balthip, K. (2026). Effectiveness Of A Caregiver-Promoting Play Program On Fine Motor And Cognitive Development Among Preschool Children From Skipped-Generation Families: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Pacific Rim International Journal Of Nursing Research, 30(3), 652-666. Https://Doi.Org/10.60099/Prijnr.2026.279494
Marsigliante, S., My, G., Mazzotta, G., & Muscella, A. (2024). The Effects Of Exergames On Physical Fitness, Body Composition And Enjoyment In Children: A Six-Month Intervention Study. Children, 11(10), 1172. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children11101172
Molani-Gol, R., Hamedi-Kalajahi, F., Rahimi, N., Abdolahi, H.M., Nikniaz, Z., & Nikniaz, L. (2026). Effects Of Playing With Active Video Games On Anthropometric Indices And Nutritional Behaviors Among Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials. Bmc Pediatrics, 26(1), 311. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S12887-026-06619-7
Morris, P.O., Hope, E., Foulsham, T., & Mills, J.P. (2025). Exploring The Use Of A Dance-Based Exergame To Enhance Autistic Children’s Social Communication Skills In The Home And School Environments: A Feasibility Study. International Journal Of Developmental Disabilities, 71(1), 141-158. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/20473869.2023.2212985
Muntianu, V.-A., Abalașei, B.-A., Nichifor, F., & Dumitru, I.-M. (2022). The Correlation Between Psychological Characteristics And Psychomotor Abilities Of Junior Handball Players. Children, 9(6), 767. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children9060767
Page, M. J., Mckenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... Moher, D. (2021). The Prisma 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline For Reporting Systematic Reviews. Bmj, 372, N71. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bmj.N71
Polevoy, G.G. (2024). The Development Of Motor Abilities Of Students Aged 8-9 Years In Physical Education Lessons. Bangladesh Journal Of Medical Science, 23(3), 682-689. Https://Doi.Org/10.3329/Bjms.V23i3.75024
Preston, M.L., Mcclelland, M., Craig, J., Herbst, E., & Golinkoff, R.M. (2025). Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity Has An Immediate Impact On Preschool Children’s Executive Function. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 72, 91-101. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ecresq.2025.02.008
Putro, A.A.Y., Muhammad, A.F.N., Hadiono, & Septarianto, T.W. (2024). The Role Of The School Environment In The Development Of Fine Motor Skills Of Elementary School Students. Fizjoterapia Polska, 2024(4), 239-243. Https://Doi.Org/10.56984/8zg01a8y1z4
Páez-Herrera, J., Álvarez-González, S., López-Lara, S., Otero-Tricio, C., Rojas-Martínez, W., Salgado-Díaz, S., Yáñez-Sepúlveda, R., & Hurtado-Almonacid, J. (2025). Relationship Between The Use Of Screens And The Motor Development Of Children From 8 To 10 Years Of Age. Children, 12(5), 584. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children12050584
Rebelo, M., Paulo, R., Honório, S., Petrica, J., Batista, M., Duarte-Mendes, P., Marques, C., & Serrano, J. (2024). Differences In The Development Of Motor Skills In Portuguese Children Aged 12 Months After 3 Years Of Covid-19 Confinement. Children, 11(8), 918. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children11080918
Roșu, D., Cojanu, F., Vișan, P.-F., Samarescu, N., Ene, M.A., Muntean, R.-I., & Ursu, V.E. (2024). Structured Program For Developing The Psychomotor Skills Of Institutionalized Children With Special Educational Needs. Children, 11(1), 102. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Children11010102
Schembri, R., Coppola, R., Tortella, P., & Sgrò, F. (2021). Improving Enjoyment During Physical Education Lesson In Primary School Students. Journal Of Human Sport And Exercise, 16(Proc2), 735-742. Https://Doi.Org/10.14198/Jhse.2021.16.Proc2.59
Silva, T.D.D., Fontes, A.M.G.G., Oliveira-Furlan, B.S.D., Roque, T.T., Lima, A.I.I., Souza, B.M.M.D., Alberissi, C.A.D.O., Silveira, A.C., Moraes Í.A.P.D., Collett, J., Silva, R.P., Airoldi, M.J., Ribeiro-Papa, D.C., Dawes, H., & Monteiro, C.B.D.M. (2020). Effect Of Combined Therapy Of Virtual Reality And Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation In Children And Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol For A Triple-Blinded Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial. Frontiers In Neurology, 11, 953. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fneur.2020.00953
Tan, X., Zhang, L., Wang, D., & Wu, X. (2026). Effects Of Physical Activity On Fundamental Motor Skills And Body Composition In Children And Adolescents With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. Peerj, E20946. Https://Doi.Org/10.7717/Peerj.20946
Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods For The Thematic Synthesis Of Qualitative Research In Systematic Reviews. Bmc Medical Research Methodology, 8, 45. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-45
Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards A Methodology For Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge By Means Of Systematic Review. British Journal Of Management, 14(3), 207-222. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375
Utamayasa, I.G.D., Kusuma, A.I., & Ariani, L.P.T. (2025). Innovation In Metaverse Virtual Reality Technology And Gamification Physical Education Learning Styles On Students’ Motor Skills. Journal Of Human Sport And Exercise, 20(2), 574-584. Https://Doi.Org/10.55860/Pd3pdm39
Veysi, N.M., Sabaghi, A., & Ebrahimi, B. (2026). Differential Effects Of Individually Adapted Challenge-Oriented Heidelberg Ballschule Activities Versus Static Version On Motor Competence And Affective Engagement In 9–11-Year-Old Female Children. Biomed Research International, 2026(1), 5244454. Https://Doi.Org/10.1155/Bmri/5244454
Zeng, N., Johnson, S.L., Chamberlin, B., & Bellows, L.L. (2025). Mobile Apps Designed For Preschoolers Produce Comparable Physical Activity Outcomes To Traditional Physical Education Activities. Mhealth, 11, 25. Https://Doi.Org/10.21037/Mhealth-24-78
Zhao, M., Lu, X., Zhang, Q., Zhao, R., Wu, B., Huang, S., & Li, S. (2024). Effects Of Exergames On Student Physical Education Learning In The Context Of The Artificial Intelligence Era: A Meta-Analysis. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 7115. Https://Doi.Org/10.1038/S41598-024-57357-8
Citation generator
Cite this article
Gita Sundari; Anton Komaini; Damrah Damrah; Nuridin Widya Pratono (2026). Game-assisted learning in physical education for fundamental movement skill development in school-age children: a systematic literature review. Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia, 11(1), 172-188. https://doi.org/10.29210/30036850000
Gita Sundari; Anton Komaini; Damrah Damrah; Nuridin Widya Pratono. "Game-assisted learning in physical education for fundamental movement skill development in school-age children: a systematic literature review." Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia 11, no. 1 (2026): 172-188. https://doi.org/10.29210/30036850000
Gita Sundari; Anton Komaini; Damrah Damrah; Nuridin Widya Pratono (2026) 'Game-assisted learning in physical education for fundamental movement skill development in school-age children: a systematic literature review', Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia, 11(1), pp. 172-188. https://doi.org/10.29210/30036850000
Gita Sundari; Anton Komaini; Damrah Damrah; Nuridin Widya Pratono. "Game-assisted learning in physical education for fundamental movement skill development in school-age children: a systematic literature review." Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia, vol. 11, no. 1, 2026, pp. 172-188. https://doi.org/10.29210/30036850000