Emerging Technologies in Physical Activity Monitoring and Promotion for Developmental Ages

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the integration of new technologies in physical activity, physical education, and school sport has significantly transformed both the delivery and assessment of educational practices, as well as the enhancement of individual and collective fitness outcomes.

Emerging tools such as wearable sensors, mobile applications, virtual and augmented reality, and data analytics enable enhanced monitoring, assessment, and personalized intervention strategies and offer novel ways to engage children and adolescents, optimize training regimens, and monitor progress in real-time. These advancements not only improve exercise methodologies but also foster greater inclusivity and personalization in physical activity interventions. However, despite the growing prevalence of such technologies, there remains a need for rigorous research to examine their efficacy, usability, and long-term impacts on physical activity behaviors. Understanding and innovatively applying these technologies in broader physical activity contexts is an area of growing scientific and practical importance.

This Special Issue aims to collate high-quality, cutting-edge research focused on the development, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies in the fields of youth physical activity, exercise, and sport science. We seek to highlight innovative applications, provide insights into their practical use, and evaluate their effectiveness in improving both health and educational outcomes and participant wellbeing. By bringing together a wide range of studies, this issue will offer a comprehensive understanding of how emerging technologies can enhance the physical activity experience while also addressing the challenges that arise in their integration. Papers that advance theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, or empirical evidence relating to technology-enhanced physical activity are especially welcomed.

This Special Issue welcomes a variety of article types, including high-quality original research studies (including longitudinal and randomized controlled trials), mixed-methods research, and qualitative studies, as well as comprehensive systematic scoping reviews and meta-analyses. Suggested themes for submission include, but are not limited to, the application of technologies in promoting physical activity, the measurement of physical activity, wearable technology for real-time monitoring, assessment, and personalized feedback in physical activity, virtual and augmented reality applications in sport and exercise, as well as data-driven personalized digital interventions aimed at enhancing physical fitness, motor skills, and overall health outcomes. Articles that explore the role of wearable technologies, virtual reality, gamification, or data analytics in promoting engagement and behavior change are particularly encouraged. This Special Issue seeks to stimulate interdisciplinary dialog and inform research, policy, and practice in leveraging technology to shape the future of youth physical activity and promote active lifestyles.

Dr. Manolis Adamakis
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Lotfi
Guest Editors

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