VIRTUAL MOTOR ENVIRONMENTS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING HYPODYNAMIA

Abstract

The article examines the effectiveness of virtual motor environments as an innovative tool for preventing physical inactivity among adolescents. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among children and youth in the context of societal digitalization and increased screen time. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a training program based on virtual motor environments on the physical condition of schoolchildren with signs of physical inactivity. The study was conducted in four secondary schools located and Uzhhorod. A total of 107 eighth-grade students aged 13–14 years participated in the initial screening. Based on the selection criteria, an experimental group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 7) were formed from students with elevated body mass index values as an indirect marker of physical inactivity. The experimental program lasted four weeks and included eight sessions using interactive movement games (exergames), while the control group followed a traditional physical education program. Anthropometric, functional, and behavioral indicators were assessed, including body mass index, resting heart rate, physical activity level, screen time, and self-perceived physical condition. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test with a significance level of p≤0.05. The results demonstrated that the use of virtual motor environments led to a statistically significant increase in physical activity levels and improved self-perceived physical condition in the experimental group (p < 0.05). At the same time, anthropometric and functional indicators showed a positive but statistically non-significant trend, which may be explained by the short duration of the intervention. The findings confirm the potential of digital technologies as an effective tool for preventing physical inactivity in modern educational environments