A166: Implications of Finland’s AI-Enhanced Physical Education Model for China’s School Physical Education Reform

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly reshaped global educational paradigms. By leveraging its well-established education system, Finland has actively integrated AI into physical education (PE), driving significant advancements in school-based PE. Meanwhile, China’s PE reform is at a critical juncture, facing challenges in resource allocation, pedagogical innovation, and technological integration. This study systematically examines AI applications in Finnish PE, evaluates their pedagogical impact, and explores their applicability in the Chinese context to inform AI-driven innovations in China’s PE reform. A systematic literature review focused on AI applications in PE within Finland and China. Data were retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and CNKI, covering English and Chinese publications from 2014 to 2024. The study adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with thematic content analysis identifying key areas of AI implementation. The findings reveal that Finland has successfully integrated AI into PE, primarily in the following areas: (1) Personalized and Adaptive Learning – AI platforms dynamically adjust training regimens based on students’ physical conditions and learning progress. AI-powered interactive games further enhance student engagement. (2) Performance Analytics and Feedback – The Finnish National Agency for Education collaborates with AI enterprises, utilizing AI-driven data analytics to optimize sports performance and injury prevention. (3) Teacher Training in AI Pedagogy – Finnish educators undergo systematic training in AI-assisted PE instruction, with institutions such as the University of Jyväskylä prioritizing AI competency in teacher preparation. China has initiated pilot projects in AI-powered sports analytics and digital fitness education, reflecting a growing emphasis on AI-driven PE. However, challenges persist, including disparities in technological resources, insufficient AI literacy among educators, and outdated assessment frameworks. AI holds transformative potential for PE, and Finland’s experience offers valuable insights for China’s PE reform. Key recommendations include: (1) Enhancing AI Integration in Teacher Training – Strengthening AI-focused professional development to equip educators with necessary competencies. (2) Advancing AI-Driven Performance Assessment – Utilizing AI technologies to enable objective, data-informed evaluations. (3) Fostering Policy Support for AI Adoption – Promoting AI-integrated pedagogical models to drive innovation in PE instruction. (4) Bridging the Digital Divide – Addressing infrastructural disparities to ensure equitable access to AI-enhanced PE education. Future research should empirically assess the efficacy of AI applications in Chinese PE and their impact on student learning outcomes.