Integrating TikTok fitness videos and interactive dodgeball-relay activities to improve physical fitness and motor skill development in elementary school student

Physical education (PE) plays a crucial role in promoting students’ overall well-being, yet traditional PE methods often struggle to maintain student interest and motivation. In today’s digital age, integrating technology and interactive activities into PE may offer new opportunities to enhance student engagement. This study investigates the impact of integrating TikTok fitness videos and game-based learning activities, such as dodgeball-relay challenges, into elementary school physical education (PE) to enhance student engagement, motivation, and motor skill development. Conducted over eight weeks with 100 students in Medan, Indonesia, the research divided participants into an experimental group, which utilized TikTok-based warm-ups and interactive dodgeball-relay activities, and a control group, which followed traditional PE methods. Data collection involved physical fitness assessments, engagement surveys, and teacher observations. Results demonstrated that the experimental group showed significant improvements in fitness metrics, such as the 50-meter sprint, long jump, and dodgeball accuracy, compared to the control group. The TikTok videos effectively captured students’ attention, fostering enthusiasm and readiness for physical activity. Meanwhile, the dodgeball-relay activities enhanced teamwork, coordination, and agility, providing an engaging and interactive learning environment. Statistical analysis confirmed notable gains in motor skill development within the experimental group (p < 0.05), emphasizing the effectiveness of this approach. This study highlights the value of combining technology-driven and game-based strategies to create engaging PE sessions that align with students’ interests and learning preferences. By addressing the limitations of traditional PE methods, this approach not only improves physical fitness but also supports the development of essential life skills such as teamwork and adaptability. The findings advocate for modernizing PE curricula to incorporate innovative teaching methods, with potential applications in broader educational contexts.