Comparison of the Effect of Traditional and Electronic Sports on Some Motor and Physical Abilities among University Students

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effect of traditional and electronic sports on certain motor and physical abilities among university students. The descriptive comparative method was employed, with a sample of (40) students from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences – Al-Mustansiriyah University, divided into two equal groups: one practicing traditional sports (football, handball, athletics), and the other regularly engaged in electronic sports (e-Sport). A series of tests were applied, including flexibility (Sit & Reach), dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test), speed (30 m sprint), agility (Illinois Test), and muscular endurance (Push-Ups). The results revealed a significant superiority of the traditional sports group in all physical and motor variables, while the outcomes of the electronic sports group were limited and did not reach the level of significance in most tests. The study concluded that traditional sports are more effective in developing motor and physical abilities, while emphasizing the importance of balancing both activities and not neglecting the cognitive benefits of electronic sports.