Journals Information
International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 14(3), pp. 827 - 834
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140327
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AquaPlay: A Gamification-Based Innovative Swimming Training Model for Children
Andri Gemaini 1,*, Pringgo Mardesia 1, Fahmil Haris 1, Japhet Ndayisenga 2, Alexandre Sibomana 2, Ratko Pavlovic 3, Aulia Rahmad 1, Chairina Wirdiastuti 4, Husnul Khatimah 5
1 Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
2 Faculty of Sports Science, University of Burundi, Burundi
3 Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
4 Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
5 Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Prima Nusantara Bukittinggi, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Swimming lessons for elementary school children often face challenges such as a lack of motivation, fear of water, and monotonous teaching methods. To address this, the AquaPlay model integrates gamification to create a fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate swimming training. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the AquaPlay model to improve students' swimming skills, motivation, and enjoyment. Using the ADDIE framework, the model was validated by seven experts and assessed for practicality by 20 teachers. A total of 80 subjects participated, including 50 students for engagement testing and 30 for effectiveness trials. The model showed high validity (Aiken's V = 0.85), acceptable reliability (ICC = 0.634), and strong student engagement - 56% Very High, 36% High, and 8% Moderate. The practicality score averaged 88.6%. Effectiveness was confirmed via Mann-Whitney test (W = 0, p < 0.0001), with the intervention group improving swim times by 15 seconds on average, compared to 1 second in the control group. AquaPlay proved effective, practical, and enjoyable, overcoming barriers such as boredom and water anxiety, and enhancing children's endurance and participation.
KEYWORDS
AquaPlay, Gamification, Abilities Swimming Skills, Elementary School
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Andri Gemaini , Pringgo Mardesia , Fahmil Haris , Japhet Ndayisenga , Alexandre Sibomana , Ratko Pavlovic , Aulia Rahmad , Chairina Wirdiastuti , Husnul Khatimah , "AquaPlay: A Gamification-Based Innovative Swimming Training Model for Children," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 827 - 834, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140327.
(b). APA Format:
Andri Gemaini , Pringgo Mardesia , Fahmil Haris , Japhet Ndayisenga , Alexandre Sibomana , Ratko Pavlovic , Aulia Rahmad , Chairina Wirdiastuti , Husnul Khatimah (2026). AquaPlay: A Gamification-Based Innovative Swimming Training Model for Children. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 14(3), 827 - 834. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140327.