Abstract Virtual reality (VR) creates immersive environments that allow students to visualize and explore complex subjects in ways that traditional methods cannot achieve. This is the first systematic review examining VR to enhance skill acquisition in physical education (PE) in higher education in the 21st century. This study aims to analyze and explore various research publications investigating how VR enhances skill acquisition in PE in higher education in the twenty-first century. The systematic review technique systematically investigates, assesses, analyzes, and interprets all study findings relevant to the research topics. We sourced articles from three databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering the period from 2017 to 2024. These results underscore the growing interest and potential of VR in enhancing skill acquisition in PE, particularly in higher education settings. VR presents exciting opportunities for enhancing education, particularly in PE; addressing its challenges is crucial for its successful integration and maximizing its benefits. These implications highlight the transformative potential of VR in PE, offering new opportunities for skill acquisition and engagement. VR can be effectively integrated into PE in higher education, providing a foundation for future studies and practical applications in the field.
Susanto et al. (2025) studied this question.