2026/06/17 by Alican Bayram, Fulden Sarı, Fulden Sari +7
Psychology · Medicine · #Children's Physical and Motor Development #Sports injuries and prevention #Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/10447318.2026.2682939
The study aimed to compare the effects of metaleisure and retro leisure on physical fitness in children. During an eight-week training, 87 healthy children aged 8–11 were randomized into three groups: metaleisure group (MG), retro leisure group (RG), and control group (CG). Physical performance was evaluated using five standardized field-based tests: 20-meter sprint, vertical jump, handgrip strength, T-agility test, and overhead ball throw. The RG showed statistically significant improvements in all physical performance measures, including the 20-metre sprint, vertical jump, T-agility, and overhead ball throw (all p < 0.001). The MG demonstrated significant improvements in grip strength (p = 0.031) and T-agility (p = 0.001). The CG exhibited significant declines in vertical jump (p = 0.002), grip strength (p = 0.002), and ball throw (p = 0.008). Traditional games were more effective than the single-user VR-based exergaming program in improving agility and muscular strength in children. Future studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of metaleisure and retro leisure activities.