Theoretical and Applied Ergonomics, Vol. 1, Pages 3: Enhancing Physical Education Through Gamification and Ergonomics: A Literature Review

Theoretical and Applied Ergonomics doi: 10.3390/tae1010003

Authors:
Carlos Merino-Campos

Gamification, defined as the application of game-like elements in non-game contexts to enhance motivation and engagement, has emerged as a promising strategy in physical education, enhancing student motivation, engagement, and physical activity through the integration of game-like elements into educational practices. However, the design and implementation of these platforms often overlook crucial ergonomic principles, which could have affected both the learning experience and the physical and cognitive well-being of users. This literature review aimed to examine the application of ergonomic principles in gamified physical education platforms, assess their impact on motivation and learning outcomes, and offer recommendations for improving future designs. Following a comprehensive literature search, eight peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2024 were reviewed. The findings emphasized the importance of accessibility, cognitive load management, and visual design in creating effective gamified learning environments. Although the potential of gamification in physical education was evident, several gaps, including the lack of longitudinal studies and limited attention to diverse and disadvantaged contexts, needed to be addressed to create more inclusive, safe, and effective platforms. This review identified key gaps in ergonomic design within gamified PE platforms and highlighted the need for future research to standardize ergonomic frameworks and expand inclusivity in educational game-based environments. Specific recommendations included integrating accessibility features, managing cognitive load, and designing user-centered platforms for diverse contexts.

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Carlos Merino-Campos www.mdpi.com