Digital Transformation and the Future of University Physical Education: Pathways for Integration

The digital era has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to higher education, particularly in physical education (PE). Traditional teacher-centered and field-based instruction is increasingly unable to meet the diverse developmental needs of students. In this context, the integration of digital and intelligent technologies into PE is emerging as a critical pathway for building a high-quality educational system. Drawing on recent research on digital education transformation, this paper explores the theoretical logic, practical dilemmas, and development pathways of embedding digital transformation into university PE. The analysis reveals issues such as insufficient policy support, underdeveloped smart platforms, uneven data governance, and inadequate digital literacy among teachers and students. At the same time, digital tools such as AI, VR/AR, wearable devices, and big data analytics are reshaping teaching modes, evaluation systems, and interactive relationships. The study argues that digital transformation is not merely a technical upgrade, but a systematic reconstruction of PE education, enabling personalized, intelligent, and lifelong learning.