Optimizing PATHFIT Delivery for SDG Impact: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Digital and Traditional Approached to Engagement, Skill Acquisition, and Mental Well-Being

This study compared digital, blended, and traditional delivery methods of Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness modules focusing on student engagement, skill development, and mental health. The randomized controlled trial assigned first-year students to online, blended, or face-to-face groups, with all groups following the same CHED PATHFIT curriculum. Engagement was assessed through LMS interaction and physical activity; skill improvement was measured by gains in agility, flexibility, and strength; and mental health was evaluated using depression and anxiety scores. Results indicated that face-to-face learning produced the greatest improvements in agility, flexibility, and strength, while all formats enhanced mental well-being. However, face-to-face delivery resulted in the most significant reductions in depression and anxiety. Digital delivery showed the highest LMS interaction but the lowest physical activity. Numerically, face-to-face learning led to the greatest decreases in depression and anxiety scores, with a time x group interaction F value of 4.2 (np2 = .04) for PHQ-9 and 3.9 (np2 = .03) for GAD-7. The findings support the importance of delivery methods in college physical education, highlighting that they are just as important as the curriculum content. A well-designed blended PATHFIT program, combining the strengths of both methods, offers the most feasible option for Philippine universities aiming to meet Sustainable Development Goal-aligned health and education objectives in the future. Specifically, it addresses SDG 3 and SDG 4.