Effects of Virtual Online Physical Education on Physical Fitness: Insights from a Gender Perspective in a Chinese University

Abstract Background With rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Online (VO) technologies in the field of education, Virtual Online Physical Education (VPE) as a novel instructional mode is gradually gaining traction. However, systematic research on the specific impacts of online physical education on the physical fitness of university students, particularly within the context of Chinese students, remains scarce. Objective This study aims to explore the effects of Virtual Online Physical Education on the physical fitness of university students, focusing on assessing its impacts on Body Mass Index (BMI), lung capacity, aerobic capacity, flexibility, explosive strength, and muscular strength, while analyzing gender differences. Methods A total of 17,000 undergraduate students from a university in southern China were involved in an 8-month Virtual Online Physical Education intervention. Paired-sample t-tests were employed to analyze changes in physical fitness data before and after the intervention, with stratified analysis by gender. Results Following the intervention, students showed a significant increase in BMI (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in lung capacity (p < 0.01). Aerobic capacity improved significantly in male students (p < 0.05) but declined in female students (p < 0.05). Flexibility and explosive strength improved significantly in all students (p < 0.01), while muscular strength (sit-ups for females and pull-ups for males) slightly decreased (p < 0.05). Gender analysis revealed that females exhibited more significant improvements in flexibility and explosive strength, whereas males demonstrated better enhancement in aerobic capacity. Conclusion This study reveals the potential and limitations of Virtual Online Physical Education in enhancing the physical fitness of university students, particularly highlighting significant gender differences. While VPE excels in promoting flexibility and explosive strength, its effectiveness in managing BMI and improving cardiorespiratory function is limited. Future research and practices should focus on personalized training program designs and further explore how new technologies can enhance the effectiveness of Virtual Online physical education to comprehensively promote students’ physical fitness.