Increasing Physical Activity in Educational Settings Using Mixed Reality Technology: Iterative Formative Study

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Sports Science

Background:

• Modern schooling often replaces physical education and recess with sedentary digital activities.
• Existing interventions focus on reducing screen time, potentially overlooking technology's active potential.
• This study explores using mixed reality (MR) to promote physical activity within digital classroom settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To iteratively develop and pilot-test an MR prototype designed to increase physical activity during classroom tasks.
• To measure the percentage and intensity of active time during MR-based activities.
• To assess the usability and acceptability of the MR prototype among middle school students.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team developed an MR prototype over 18 months (Nov 2023 - Apr 2025).
• Two rounds of pilot-testing involved 32 middle school students (ages 10-15).
• Physical activity was measured using accelerometers; usability was assessed via the System Usability Scale and interviews.

Main Results:

• Students were active for 46.0% in round 1 and 62.4% in round 2 of MR sessions.
• Acceptability scores remained "good" (mean 73.8) in round 2, with no significant gender differences.
• No significant differences in acceptability were found between the two pilot-testing rounds.

Conclusions:

• Mixed reality technology can successfully promote physical activity during short classroom assignments.
• The developed MR prototype demonstrates potential for active learning environments.
• Further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and scalability of MR for physical activity in schools.