DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: PANDEMIC IMPACTS AND TRENDS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS REGARDING THE USE OF EXERGAMES AND ONLINE TRAINING PLATFORMS

Abstract

The present study investigates the use of technological resources by physical education professionals during the Coronavirus pandemic to prescribe, execute, and monitor the training of endurance athletes. Through qualitative research with semi-structured interviews, the main findings were obtained through phenomenological interpretation, and data collection focused on identifying specific devices and technological resources with higher adherence among physical education professionals (coaches) and those prescribed to their athletes. A statistical survey was conducted on the technological resources and online training platforms used. For this purpose, 10 physical education professionals (sports advisory coaches specializing in endurance sports in the city of Brasília/ DF) were interviewed regarding the adherence to and use of technological resources before the pandemic, during it, and in the post-pandemic period. The study includes multidisciplinary research based on a theoretical framework and review studies related concepts such as electronic games, playfulness, gamification, design thinking, and technological innovation, aiming to elucidate disruptive technologies in physical education. The research demonstrates that the context that led coaches and athletes to behavioral changes created opportunities for some and challenges for other professionals, in a scenario that suggests certain behavioral shifts regarding the use of exergames and online training platforms.