The effectiveness of digital platforms for developing physical culture during the pandemic in the PRC
Keywords:
digital fitness platforms, physical culture, People’s Republic of China, technology acceptance, hybrid fitness models, public health strategies, COVID-19
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional avenues for physical activity, prompting the rapid adoption of digital fitness platforms in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This study explores the effectiveness of these platforms in sustaining and promoting physical culture during lockdowns and beyond. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from a cross-sectional survey of 762 participants and qualitative insights from 30 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups. Results reveal a significant increase in digital platform usage during peak lockdown periods, with mean weekly usage rising from 1.82 sessions pre-pandemic to 3.25 during the pandemic. Self-reported
physical activity levels improved correspondingly. Users highlighted the convenience, accessibility, and motivational aspects of features such as live-streamed classes, gamification elements, and virtual communities. However, barriers such as limited internet access, lack of professional supervision, and difficulties in sustaining long-term engagement were noted. The study underscores the potential of digital platforms to bridge geographical and social divides in fitness engagement, provided challenges of infrastructure, quality control, and user retention are addressed. The findings contribute to understanding how technology can integrate into broader public health strategies, suggesting a hybrid model of online and offline fitness could define the future of physical culture in the PRC.
Downloads
References
1. Anikieiev, D., & Shi, S. (2023). China’s fitness industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientific Journal of NPU Named After M.P. Drahomanov, Series 5. Pedagogical Sciences: Realities and Perspectives, 94, 5–9.
2. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
3. Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
4. Chen, P., Mao, L., Nassis, G. P., Harmer, P., Ainsworth, B. E., & Li, F. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): The need to maintain regular physical activity while taking precautions. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 9(2), 103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.02.001
5. Cohen, J. (1992). A power primer. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 155–159. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.155
6. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
7. Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
8. Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
9. Freedson, P. S., & Miller, K. (2000). Objective monitoring of physical activity using motion sensors and heart rate. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71(sup2), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2000.11082782
10. García-Fernández, J., Gálvez-Ruiz, P., Grimaldi-Puyana, M., Angosto, S., Fernández-Gavira, J., & Bohórquez, M. R. (2020). The Promotion of Physical Activity from Digital Services: Influence of E-Lifestyles on Intention to Use Fitness Apps. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), 6839. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph1718683
11. IBM Corp. (2020). IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. IBM Corp.
12. Jia, C., & Ye, S. (2024). Tendencies and characteristics of public fitness behavior in the digital era: An Internet ethnography study based on the K Community in China. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1414837. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1414837
13. Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2019). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (7th ed.). SAGE Publications.
14. Ministry of Education of the PRC. (2020). Guidelines for implementing physical education in primary and secondary schools during the pandemic. http://www.moe.gov.cn
15. Nalyvaiko, O., & Nalyvaiko, N. (2024). Education in China: Challenges and Prospects of the XXI Century. Educological Discourse, 47(4). https://doi.org/10.28925/2312-5829/2024.4.8
16. Nalyvaiko, O., Kulakova, I., Kudaieva, O., Bondarenko, A., Mkrtichian, O., & Shtonda, O. (2024). Forced Distance Learning Chinese Experience Case. Some Lessons for the Ukrainian Education System . Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 16(4), 154-184. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/16.4/911
17. National Bureau of Statistics of China. (2022). Statistical report on internet development in China. http://www.stats.gov.cn
18. National Health Commission of the PRC. (2020). COVID-19 prevention and control measures. http://en.nhc.gov.cn
19. Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
20. QSR International Pty Ltd. (2018). NVivo (Version 12) [Computer software].
21. Silverman, D. (2020). Interpreting qualitative data (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
22. Stockwell, S., Trott, M., Tully, M., Shin, J., Barnett, Y., Butler, L., & Smith, L. (2021). Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: A systematic review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 7(1), e000960. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000960
23. Wang, H., Feng, L., Zhang, Y., Zhang, F., Fu, J., Wang, M., Wu, D., Feng, Q., Liu, X., Fan, C., Wang, J., Gao, W., McDonough, D. J., & Gao, Z. (2021). Changes in Chinese Adults’ Physical Activity Behavior and Determinants before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(14), 3069. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10143069
24. Wei, J., Vinnikova, A., Lu, L., & Xu, J. (2020). Understanding and Predicting the Adoption of Fitness Mobile Apps: Evidence from China. Health Communication, 36(8), 950–961. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2020.1724637
25. World Health Organization. (2020). WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard. https://covid19.who.int
26. World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128
27. Wu, X., He, Z., Li, M., Han, Z., & Huang, C. (2022). Identifying Learners’ Interaction Patterns in an Online Learning Community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 2245. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042245
28. Xiang, M., Zhang, Z., & Kuwahara, K. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents’ lifestyle behavior larger than expected. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 63(4), 531–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.04.013
29. Yang, J., Li, X., He, T., Ju, F., Qiu, Y., & Tian, Z. (2022). Impact of Physical Activity on COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114108
30. Zhang Q. (2024). Online health communities provide important support in China. Nature human behaviour, 8(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-023-01766-8
31. Zhang S, Ouyang T, Wei S-Y, Liang B-B and Zhu J-M (2022) Research on Sustainable Development of Competitive Sports in China Based on PSR and DEA Model. Front. Psychol. 13:925909. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.925909
32. Zhang, Y., & Ma, Z. F. (2020). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life among local residents in Liaoning Province, China: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research
2. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
3. Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
4. Chen, P., Mao, L., Nassis, G. P., Harmer, P., Ainsworth, B. E., & Li, F. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): The need to maintain regular physical activity while taking precautions. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 9(2), 103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.02.001
5. Cohen, J. (1992). A power primer. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 155–159. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.155
6. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
7. Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
8. Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
9. Freedson, P. S., & Miller, K. (2000). Objective monitoring of physical activity using motion sensors and heart rate. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71(sup2), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2000.11082782
10. García-Fernández, J., Gálvez-Ruiz, P., Grimaldi-Puyana, M., Angosto, S., Fernández-Gavira, J., & Bohórquez, M. R. (2020). The Promotion of Physical Activity from Digital Services: Influence of E-Lifestyles on Intention to Use Fitness Apps. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), 6839. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph1718683
11. IBM Corp. (2020). IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. IBM Corp.
12. Jia, C., & Ye, S. (2024). Tendencies and characteristics of public fitness behavior in the digital era: An Internet ethnography study based on the K Community in China. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1414837. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1414837
13. Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2019). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (7th ed.). SAGE Publications.
14. Ministry of Education of the PRC. (2020). Guidelines for implementing physical education in primary and secondary schools during the pandemic. http://www.moe.gov.cn
15. Nalyvaiko, O., & Nalyvaiko, N. (2024). Education in China: Challenges and Prospects of the XXI Century. Educological Discourse, 47(4). https://doi.org/10.28925/2312-5829/2024.4.8
16. Nalyvaiko, O., Kulakova, I., Kudaieva, O., Bondarenko, A., Mkrtichian, O., & Shtonda, O. (2024). Forced Distance Learning Chinese Experience Case. Some Lessons for the Ukrainian Education System . Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 16(4), 154-184. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/16.4/911
17. National Bureau of Statistics of China. (2022). Statistical report on internet development in China. http://www.stats.gov.cn
18. National Health Commission of the PRC. (2020). COVID-19 prevention and control measures. http://en.nhc.gov.cn
19. Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
20. QSR International Pty Ltd. (2018). NVivo (Version 12) [Computer software].
21. Silverman, D. (2020). Interpreting qualitative data (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
22. Stockwell, S., Trott, M., Tully, M., Shin, J., Barnett, Y., Butler, L., & Smith, L. (2021). Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: A systematic review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 7(1), e000960. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000960
23. Wang, H., Feng, L., Zhang, Y., Zhang, F., Fu, J., Wang, M., Wu, D., Feng, Q., Liu, X., Fan, C., Wang, J., Gao, W., McDonough, D. J., & Gao, Z. (2021). Changes in Chinese Adults’ Physical Activity Behavior and Determinants before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(14), 3069. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10143069
24. Wei, J., Vinnikova, A., Lu, L., & Xu, J. (2020). Understanding and Predicting the Adoption of Fitness Mobile Apps: Evidence from China. Health Communication, 36(8), 950–961. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2020.1724637
25. World Health Organization. (2020). WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard. https://covid19.who.int
26. World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128
27. Wu, X., He, Z., Li, M., Han, Z., & Huang, C. (2022). Identifying Learners’ Interaction Patterns in an Online Learning Community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 2245. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042245
28. Xiang, M., Zhang, Z., & Kuwahara, K. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents’ lifestyle behavior larger than expected. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 63(4), 531–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.04.013
29. Yang, J., Li, X., He, T., Ju, F., Qiu, Y., & Tian, Z. (2022). Impact of Physical Activity on COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114108
30. Zhang Q. (2024). Online health communities provide important support in China. Nature human behaviour, 8(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-023-01766-8
31. Zhang S, Ouyang T, Wei S-Y, Liang B-B and Zhu J-M (2022) Research on Sustainable Development of Competitive Sports in China Based on PSR and DEA Model. Front. Psychol. 13:925909. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.925909
32. Zhang, Y., & Ma, Z. F. (2020). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life among local residents in Liaoning Province, China: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research
Published
2025-04-06
Cited
How to Cite
Rui, C. (2025). The effectiveness of digital platforms for developing physical culture during the pandemic in the PRC. Scientific Notes of the Pedagogical Department, (55), 93-103. https://doi.org/10.26565/2074-8167-2024-55-09
Section
Статті
