Traditional Games in Physical Education and Beyond: A Systematic Review of Experimental Research

Abstract

This systematic literature review investigates the application of traditional games within school education. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the study analyzed 18 experimental research articles that utilized traditional games as the independent variable. Data was sourced from four prominent databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect. Key findings reveal a broad implementation of traditional games across diverse subjects, extending beyond the commonly associated Physical Education domain to encompass Mathematics, Physics, Art, and Science education. This practice is evident in various countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Tunisia, Spain, Kazakhstan, and Macedonia. The research emphasizes the interplay between game selection, intervention duration, and participant characteristics in determining the effectiveness of traditional game interventions. While this review highlights the significant potential of traditional games in enhancing educational outcomes, it underscores the need for further research. Exploring the application of traditional games in higher education and broader community contexts is crucial to fully comprehend their impact across different age groups and sociocultural settings. By expanding the scope of inquiry, future studies can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted benefits of traditional games and inform the development of effective educational strategies.