- Research Article
- 10.53378/ijemds.353335
Self-determination theory–based gamification in vocational high school physical education: Effects on motivation and physical fitness
- Mar 17, 2026
- International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies
- Dingyi Hou + 1 more +1
Given the dual challenges of declining physical fitness and low engagement in physical education (PE) among vocational high school students, exploring effective instructional interventions is imperative. This study investigated the impact of gamified instruction grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) on students’ learning motivation and physical fitness. A quasi-experimental design was conducted over 12 weeks with 255 Chinese vocational students (experimental n=136; control n=119). The experimental group received a gamified intervention featuring points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges, while the control group followed a standard PE curriculum. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results indicated that the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of positive interest, sports engagement, and autonomous learning compared to the control group (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, the intervention yielded superior composite fitness scores (F = 47.48, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that motivation partially mediated the relationship between gamified instruction and fitness gains. These findings suggest that SDT-based gamification is an effective strategy for enhancing vocational students' physical outcomes by activating key psychological mechanisms. This study provides empirical evidence and practical insights for PE pedagogical reform in vocational institutions.
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