International Journal of Research in Counseling and Education
Vol 9, No 1 (2025): International Journal of Research in Counseling and Education

Effectiveness of Digital Instructional Modules on Health-Related Physical Fitness Among Secondary School Adolescents in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Khoiri, Muhammad Afdhol (Unknown)
Wahyuri, Asep Sujana (Unknown)
Mulia, Fika Dwi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 May 2026

Abstract

The persistent decline in adolescents’ physical fitness has emerged as a pressing global public-health concern, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing additional structural constraints in delivering effective school-based physical education. Digital instructional modules have been proposed as flexible, scalable, and personalised alternatives, yet evidence of their impact on objectively measured health-related physical fitness in LMIC contexts remains fragmented. This study aimed to synthesise empirical evidence on the effectiveness of digital instructional modules in improving health-related physical fitness among secondary-school adolescents (aged 15–18 years). A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines using a PICO-based search of Scopus (2021-2026), complemented by ERIC and DOAJ. Of 354 initial records, ten studies met the eligibility criteria and were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical-appraisal tools. Thematic synthesis revealed four intervention typologies: (i) synchronous online classes, (ii) blended learning, (iii) flipped learning, and (iv) mobile-application–based learning, including digitally delivered high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Synchronous, blended, and flipped designs produced the most consistent improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), whereas mobile-app interventions yielded variable results unless embedded within structured pedagogy. Effects were largely short-term, with sustainability contingent on intrinsic motivation, habit formation, and teacher mediation. Digital technology should therefore be conceptualised as a pedagogical enabler rather than a stand-alone solution. The review contributes a context-sensitive framework for integrating digital modules into physical education in LMICs, particularly Indonesia, and offers policy and pedagogical recommendations for sustainable implementation

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijrice

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Research in Counseling and Education (IJRiCE) ISSN: 2620-5769 (Electronic), ISSN: 2620-5750 (Print), is a peer-reviewed, counseling and education journal published by Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) in collaboration with Indonesian Counselor Association (IKI). The aim of ...