A096: Artificial Intelligence Empowering Physical Education in Higher Education

Driven by the strategies of “education digitalization” and “integration of sports and education”, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reshaping the core values and practical pathways of physical education in higher education. As AI empowers the construction of university sports systems, it has become a key driving force in addressing the challenges of traditional physical education and responding to educational needs. However, AI-driven educational innovation is not a linear evolution; the interplay of its internal logical tensions and external practical constraints necessitates systematic research and pathway exploration. Method: This study systematically explores the multidimensional tensions and coordinated development pathways of artificial intelligence technology in university physical education through literature analysis, case studies, and expert interviews. There are several tensions in the application of AI technology in physical education. First, a tension exists between the bounded nature of AI data and the broad objectives of physical education, as AI data models struggle to fully capture the diverse physical, psychological, and holistic development needs of students. Second, the openness of AI algorithms conflicts with the privacy requirements of physical education, as their transparency increases the risk of student data leakage. Third, there is a tension between the limitations of AI-based physical fitness assessment and the need for sports health and safety, as reliance on single-sensor data may lead to misjudgments. Fourth, AI’s lack of interactive emotional engagement contrasts with the need for humanistic care in physical education, as technological tools cannot replace the emotional connection between teachers and students. To address the above logical tensions, it is necessary to establish a multi-source dynamic data system, enhance the development of data security technologies, build an intelligent early warning system integrating motion tracking and medical collaboration, and balance the rationality of technological tools with the rationality of educational values. These measures will facilitate the deep integration of physical education, thereby promoting the multidimensional realization of its educational value.