Implementation of virtual reality technologies in the physical education curriculum of higher education institutions

The purpose of the study is to systematize the key areas of application of virtual reality (VR) technologies in the physical education of students based on the analysis of scientific literature. Research methods: theoretical methods – analysis, synthesis, and systematization of domestic and foreign scientific sources on the problem of implementing VR technologies in the educational process of physical education in higher education. Research results and conclusions. It has been established that VR technologies contribute to increasing students' interest and engagement in the process of physical education, as well as allow for the organization of objective pedagogical control and correction of exercise performance techniques. The main challenges of implementation have been identified: insufficient digital competence of teachers, limitations of the material and technical base, lack of high-quality content, and the risk of reduced direct communicative interaction in the "teacher–student" system. Effective implementation of VR technologies requires systemic measures: improving regulatory and methodological support, developing interdepartmental interaction, building a "human–technology" model in the educational process, and modernizing the system for assessing learning outcomes.