Transformando Vidas a Través del Movimiento: Integración de Recursos Digitales para Promover Hábitos Saludables en Estudiantes de Secundaria

This research examined the impact of a didactic sequence mediated by digital educational resources in promoting healthy habits among secondary school students. The study, framed within the interpretative paradigm with a qualitative approach and Pedagogical Action Research design, employed a sequential mixed analysis to process the data. The study involved 22 students (13 boys and 9 girls) in sixth grade at a Colombian public educational institution, using the Cooper Test, anthropometric measurements, and digital monitoring as main instruments. The 12-week intervention integrated specialized mobile applications with gamification strategies. Results showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in all measured variables, with large effect sizes (Cohen's d between 1.34 and 2.01). Body composition improved from 36.4% to 72.7% in students with healthy BMI, and physical fitness increased from 9% to 36.4% in "Excellent" levels in the Cooper Test. Qualitative analysis using ATLAS.ti identified three emerging categories: gamification motivation (157 citations), habit transformation (143 citations), and technological appropriation (128 citations), with a strong correlation between gamification and habit transformation (coefficient = 0.72). Adherence to extracurricular physical activity reached 78%. The findings suggest that the strategic integration of digital resources in physical education can catalyze significant transformations in adolescent healthy habits.