Mapping Research Trends on the Effectiveness of Gamification in Physical Education and Sport Based on Bibliometric Analysis Using Scopus Baseline Data From 2020-2025

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FORMOSA NEWS

Gamification in Physical Education Proven to Boost Student Motivation and Physical Fitness

MERAUKE, FORMOSA NEWS — A new bibliometric study reveals that integrating gamification into physical education and sports (PES) has expanded rapidly and effectively boosts student motivation, engagement, and physical fitness. The research was conducted by Carolus Wasa, Adi Sumarsono, Emanuel Lewar, and Thadius Yambedoan from Universitas Musamus Merauke. Published in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences in June 2026, the study maps global research trends from 2020 to 2025 and emphasizes the critical role of digital game mechanics in overcoming traditional student disinterest in school sports activities.

Led by Carolus Wasa from Universitas Musamus Merauke, the research addresses a widespread challenge in education: conventional physical training often feels monotonous or uninspiring to young learners. Between 2020 and 2025, integrating game elements—such as points, badges, leaderboards, and fitness tracking devices—transformed physical education into an interactive, personalized experience. These insights offer vital implications for public health and school systems striving to curb sedentary lifestyles, youth obesity, and cardiovascular health risks through early active habits.

The Urgency of Digital Innovation in Physical Education

Traditional physical education programs frequently struggle with low student participation due to repetitive routines and a lack of real-time feedback. When students lack motivation to move, long-term health outcomes suffer, leading to decreased physical fitness and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

Gamification provides an innovative solution by blending digital technology with behavioral psychology inside the physical education framework. Using wearable devices, smartwatches, and fitness tracking applications enables students to receive instant feedback on their performance, such as calories burned, distance covered, or step counts. This immediate recognition fosters intrinsic motivation, driving students to achieve personal goals and participate actively in group exercises.

Simple and Data-Driven Methodology

The research team from Universitas Musamus Merauke utilized a qualitative bibliometric analysis methodology to evaluate the trajectory of sports gamification research globally.

The methodological workflow involved three primary steps:

• Data Extraction: Collecting 19 peer-reviewed academic publications indexed in the Scopus database between 2020 and 2025 using the targeted search parameters "gamification AND in AND physical AND education AND sport".
• Network Visualization: Mapping citation networks, author collaborations, and thematic clusters using VOSviewer software.
• Trend Categorization: Synthesizing data into core research themes, including technological integration, student motivation, international research cooperation, and digital equity challenges.

Key Findings in Physical Education Gamification

The bibliometric mapping outlines several distinct trends and milestones in the evolution of gamified physical education over the five-year period:

• Multidisciplinary Research Interest: Publications spanned multiple academic domains, led by Computer Science ($20.6\%$), Social Sciences ($14.4\%$), Medicine ($12.1\%$), and Health Professions ($10.5\%$), underscoring its broad cross-sector appeal.
• Leading Academic Contributors: Researcher A. Ferriz-Valero emerged as the most prolific author globally with $2.5$ contributed documents, followed by T. Afthinos and Y. Afthinos with $1.5$ documents each.
• Holistic Fitness and Social Growth: Implementing gamified sports routines consistently improved student endurance, muscle strength, and agility, while simultaneously improving teamwork, communication, and self-confidence.
• Expansion Toward Inclusive Sports: Research from 2024 to 2025 placed greater emphasis on designing inclusive gamification frameworks tailored for diverse student groups, including individuals with physical disabilities.

Real-World Impact on Education and Public Policy

The study by Universitas Musamus Merauke offers a clear roadmap for educational policymakers, school administrators, and physical education instructors. Gamification serves as a practical methodology for modernizing physical education curricula and creating positive, habit-forming active environments.

However, the authors point out a persistent global challenge: unequal access to digital infrastructure and wearable devices, particularly in rural or developing regions. To ensure equitable benefits, educators in resource-constrained environments are encouraged to adopt low-tech or non-digital gamification models, such as board-based scoring systems and physical challenge cards adapted to local cultural values.

"Gamification in physical education goes beyond entertainment; it systematically enhances student motivation, physical fitness, and long-term healthy lifestyle habits," stated Carolus Wasa and the research team from Universitas Musamus Merauke. "To maximize its societal impact, future implementations must address technological access gaps and adapt game frameworks to local community contexts."

Author Profile

• Full Name: Carolus Wasa, S.Pd., M.Pd.
• Affiliation: Department of Physical Education, Health, and Recreation, Universitas Musamus Merauke, South Papua, Indonesia
• Expertise: Physical Education, Sports Pedagogy, Gamified Learning, and Educational Technology Integration

Official Research Source

• Article Title: Mapping Research Trends on the Effectiveness of Gamification in Physical Education and Sport Based on Bibliometric Analysis Using Scopus Baseline Data From 2020-2025
• Authors: Carolus Wasa, Adi Sumarsono, Emanuel Lewar, and Thadius Yambedoan
• Journal: International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS), Vol. 4, No. 6, 2026, pp. 1821–1840
• DOI / Link: https://doi.org/10.55927/93kksf63
• URL Jurnal: https://journalijcs.my.id/index.php/ijcs