Influence of artificial intelligence-driven feedback on motivation and engagement in physical fitness classes among Human Kinetics and Health Education students in Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of artificial intelligence-driven feedback on motivation and engagement in physical fitness classes among Human Kinetics and Health Education students at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive survey design, the research examined how AI-based feedback using video recordings enhances students’ learning experiences and participation in physical fitness classes. The study population comprised 576 students enrolled in Human Kinetics and Health Education programmes, and a census approach was employed. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire titled Artificial Intelligence-Driven Feedback in Physical Fitness Classes Questionnaire (AIFPFQ), with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.87. The inferential statistics of correlation and regression analyses were employed. The results revealed that students held highly positive perceptions of AI-driven feedback, recognizing its role in improving understanding, performance, and interest in fitness sessions. Findings further indicated that AI-driven feedback significantly enhanced students’ motivation and engagement, with motivation showing a stronger association with AI-based feedback than engagement. Moreover, a strong positive relationship was observed between motivation and engagement, underscoring the reciprocal link between intrinsic drive and active participation in fitness learning. The study concluded that AI-driven feedback is an innovative and transformative pedagogical approach that fosters motivation, engagement, and performance in physical fitness education. Recommendations included the need for government and institutional authorities strengthen infrastructure and digital capacity for AI integration, while educators and sport scientists leverage AI tools to promote interactive and personalized learning experiences in physical education.