Author(s): KNOKE, C., WOLL, A., WAGNER, I., Institution: KARLSRUHE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (KIT), Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 2774

Introduction:
Schools are an important setting for promoting health and physical activity in adolescents. Integrating digital media into physical education may support reflection, self monitoring and individualized learning processes and thereby contribute to the development of physical activity related health competence. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a digitally supported physical education unit implemented under real school conditions.

Methods:
A school based cluster randomized intervention study with a pre post design was conducted (N = 222 students, mean age 16.8 years). Three groups were compared: (1) digitally enriched physical education using tablets, apps, wearables and video feedback, (2) an analogue but content equivalent teaching unit, and (3) regular physical education. The intervention consisted of a 90 minute endurance focused lesson integrated into regular classes. Physical activity related health competence was operationalized as control competence and assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA.

Results:
A significant time by group interaction was found (p < .001). Both the digital intervention group and the analogue comparison group showed significant improvements in health competence (both p < .001; d approx. 0.45-0.46), whereas no comparable change occurred in regular physical education. Students with low baseline levels benefited particularly strongly. In this subgroup, the digitally supported condition showed large effects (d = 1.36).

Discussion:
Structured physical education units that integrate reflection and feedback elements can strengthen health related competences in adolescents. Digital media appear to support individualized engagement and may be particularly beneficial for students with lower initial competence levels. Implemented within regular school practice, digitally supported teaching approaches can contribute to health promotion in youth populations.

References
Sudeck, G. & Pfeifer, K. (2016). Physical activity related health competence as an integrative objective in exercise therapy and health sports: conception and validation of a short questionnaire. Sportwissenschaft, 46:214-226.