Using robotic exercise coaching system to increase children’s motivation, satisfaction and enjoyment during physical exercise

Objectives This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a robotic exercise coaching system for children, with the focus on children with special educational needs (SEN). A preliminary evaluation was conducted to examine its effects on psychological need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and enjoyment of physical activity among children with SEN.Methods An initial evaluation was conducted with 16 children with SEN. Psychological need satisfaction and intrinsic motivation were assessed using the Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education scale (BPN-PE) and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), respectively, administered after the first and the final session. Enjoyment was measured at the final session using Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-S). Pre–post differences were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests with effect sizes calculated, while PACES-S data were analysed descriptively to capture affective responses.Results Results indicated statistically significant improvements across all BPN-PE subscales, with the largest effect observed for competence satisfaction, followed by relatedness and autonomy satisfaction. IMI results showed significant increases in Interest/Enjoyment, Perceived competence, and Effort/Importance, alongside a significant reduction in Pressure/Tension. PACES-S results revealed high levels of enjoyment associated with the robot-supported physical activity sessions.Conclusions The findings suggest that robot-supported exercise system may represent a promising approach for enhancing motivation and participation among children with SEN.