Application of Virtual Reality in Competitive Athletes - A Review

Examining and Comparing the Energy Expenditure of Two Modes of a Virtual Reality Fitness Game (Supernatural): Indirect Calorimetry Study

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) fitness games as a form of moderate to vigorous physical activity has yet to be thoroughly quantified through gold standard energy expenditure measures.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the energy expenditure of 2 medium-intensity modes ("Flow and "Boxing") of a VR fitness game, Supernatural, using indirect calorimetry.

METHODS

Indirect calorimetry was used to examine relative and objective maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), metabolic equivalents of task (METs), and calories burned during medium-intensity bouts of both Flow and Boxing gameplay modes in young (mean age 25.42, SD 3.25 years), active individuals (n=12 female and n=11 male). METs and calories were also compared using a triaxial waist-worn accelerometer, an Apple smartwatch, and a VR headset. Mood states were assessed pre- and postbout using the shortened Profile of Mood States Questionnaire. Paired 2-tailed t tests were used to examine differences in game modes, between sexes, and pre-post exercise sessions.

RESULTS

Objective and relative VO2 max averaged 1.93 (SD 0.44) L/min and 27.61 (SD 5.60) mL/kg/min, respectively, between modes. Flow (mean 8.2, SD 1.54 METs) and Boxing (mean 7.6, SD 1.66 METs) are both classified as high energy expenditure, vigorous activities. Calorie expenditure data of the accelerometer and VR headset differed significantly from the metabolic cart. Mood changes pre- to post exercise were consistent with expected values for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, with participants reporting that they felt more "active," "full of pep," "vigorous," and "lively" (P<.05) following bouts. Male individuals reported higher objective oxygen consumption (VO2) for both Flow and Boxing modes; no other sex-specific differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Flow and Boxing gameplay modes of Supernatural classify as vigorous physical activity and demonstrate the potential to promote mental and physical health benefits. Supernatural may be an effective exercise modality in a VO2 training program.

Visual Feedback and Guided Balance Training in an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment for Lower Extremity Rehabilitation

Balance training is essential for physical rehabilitation procedures, as it can improve functional mobility and enhance cognitive coordination. However, conventional balance training methods may have limitations in terms of motivation, real-time objective feedback, and personalization, which a virtual reality (VR) setup may better provide. In this work, we present an immersive VR training environment for lower extremity balance rehabilitation with real-time guidance and feedback. The VR training environment immerses the user in a 3D ice rink model where a virtual coach (agent) leads them through a series of balance poses, and the user controls a trainee avatar with their own movements. We developed two coaching styles: positive-reinforcement and autonomous-supportive, and two viewpoints of the trainee avatar: first-person and third-person. The proposed environment was evaluated in a user study with healthy, non-clinical participants (n = 16, 24.4 ± 5.7 years old, 9 females). Our results show that participants showed stronger performance in the positive-reinforcement style compared to the autonomous-supportive style. Additionally, in the third-person viewpoint, the participants exhibited more stability in the positive-reinforcement style compared to the autonomous-supportive style. For viewpoint, participants exhibited stronger performance in the first-person viewpoint compared to third-person in the autonomous-supportive style, while they were comparable in the positive-reinforcement style. We observed no significant effects on the foot height and number of mistakes. Furthermore, we report the analysis of user performance with balance training poses and subjective measures based on questionnaires to assess the user experience, usability, and task load. The proposed VR balance training could offer an interactive, adaptive, and engaging environment and open new potential research directions for lower extremity rehabilitation.

An interdisciplinary framework to optimize the anticipation skills of high-level athletes using virtual reality

The ambition of our contribution is to show how an interdisciplinary framework can pave the way for the deployment of innovative virtual reality training sessions to improve anticipation skills in top-level athletes. This improvement is so challenging that some authors say it is like "training for the impossible". This framework, currently being implemented as part of a project to prepare athletes for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, based on the ecological-dynamics approach to expertise, is innovative in its interdisciplinary nature, but also and above all because it overcomes the limitations of more traditional training methods in the field designed to optimize anticipation skills in top-level athletes. The ambition is to tackle successive challenges ranging from the design of virtual partners and opponents to the deployment of training programs in virtual reality, while ensuring the acceptability and acceptance of such innovative virtual reality training protocols and measuring associated workloads.

Exploring the effects of 3D-360°VR and 2D viewing modes on gaze behavior, head excursion, and workload during a boxing specific anticipation task

Introduction

Recent evidence has started to demonstrate that 360°VR, a type of VR that immerses a user within a 360° video, has advantages over two-dimensional (2D) video displays in the context of perceptual-cognitive evaluation and training. However, there is currently a lack of empirical evidence to explain how perceptual-cognitive strategies differ between these two paradigms when performing sports-related tasks. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine and compare the impact of different viewing conditions (e.g., 3D-360°VR and 2D video displays), on gaze behavior and head excursions in a boxing-specific anticipatory task. A secondary objective was to assess the workload associated with each viewing mode, including the level of presence experienced. Thirdly, an exploratory analysis was conducted to evaluate any potential sex differences.

Methods

Thirty-two novice participants (16 females) were recruited for this study. A total of 24 single-punch sequences were randomly presented using a standalone VR headset (Pico Neo 3 Pro Eye), with two different viewing modes: 3D-360°VR and 2D. Participants were instructed to respond to the punches with appropriate motor actions, aiming to avoid punches. Gaze behavior was recorded using a Tobii eyetracker embedded in the VR headset. Workload and presence were measured with the SIM-TLX questionnaire. Fixation duration, number of fixations, saccades, search rate and head excursions (roll, pitch, yaw) were analyzed using linear mixed models.

Results

The results revealed significant shorter fixation durations and more head excursions (roll, pitch) in 3D-360°VR, compared to the 2D viewing mode (ps < 0.05). The sense of presence was found to be much higher in the 3D-360°VR viewing mode (p < 0.05). No sex differences were observed. These results demonstrate that 360°VR elicited shorter fixation durations but mostly greater head excursions and immersion compared to a 2D projection in the context of a boxing-specific task.

Discussion

These findings contribute to the understanding of previous evidence supporting the possible advantages of using 360°VR over 2D for perceptual-cognitive evaluation and training purposes. Further validation studies that compare behaviors and performance in 360°VR with those in the real-world will be needed.

Handheld Weights as an Effective and Comfortable Way To Increase Exercise Intensity of Physical Activity in Virtual Reality: Empirical Study

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in active virtual reality games (AVRGs) that provide entertainment and encourage more physical activity (PA). Since playing AVRGs involves primarily arm movements, the intensity of this form of PA may not be sufficient for health benefits. Therefore, it is worth looking for virtual entertainment solutions that are comfortable for users and at the same time increase physical exercise.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of external loading of the arms in the form of handheld weights (HHWs) on exercise intensity in users playing a popular AVRG. The results obtained in the study were compared with the PA recommendations for health. The study also assessed the perceptions of the users about the attractiveness and usefulness of this type of exercise and discomfort caused by additional load on the arms.

METHODS

The study covered 17 young adults aged 18 to 25 years playing an AVRG (Beat Saber) with no arm load and with HHWs (0.5 kg). A PlayStation 4 PRO console (Sony) with accessories including a head-mounted display and controllers was used in the study. PA intensity was evaluated using a heart rate monitor based on the percentage of maximal heart rate (% HRmax). The usability, attractiveness, and comfort perceived during exercise by users were evaluated using a survey questionnaire.

RESULTS

The measurements showed that the mean % HRmax in participants playing Beat Saber without HHWs was significantly lower (P<.001; Cohen d=1.07) than that observed when playing with HHWs. It should be emphasized that with no additional load, the intensity of PA was low (mean 63.7% HRmax, SD 9.3% HRmax), while with the upper limb load, it increased to a moderate level (mean 67.1% HRmax, SD 10.3% HRmax), which is recommended for health benefits. The survey conducted in the study showed that HHWs (0.5 kg) attached to the wrists did not disturb Beat Saber players.

CONCLUSIONS

Since PA in most of the modern AVRGs primarily involves upper limb movements, the use of HHW seems to be a simple and effective way to increase exercise intensity, especially because, as reported by the study participants, such a procedure does not cause discomfort while using the application.

Global trends and hotspots in research on extended reality in sports: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2021

Objective

Extended reality technologies (e.g. virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR)) are gaining popularity in sports owing to their unique advantages. This study aims to analyse the progress of the application of extended reality technology in sports and reveal its cooperative features, research hotspots and development trends.

Methods

We searched the literature in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database within the period 2000 to 2021 and conducted a bibliometric analysis. The analysis methods included statistical, co-occurrence, hierarchical clustering and social network analyses.

Results

A total of 340 articles were gathered. The literature related to its research showed an increasing trend over time. The paper collaboration rate was 90.88% (309/340 papers), and the degree of author collaboration was 3.96 (1345/340). VR was found to be the most productive journal, and Queen's University Belfast was the most productive institution. The United States, China and the United Kingdom were the three main contributors to the field. The foundational themes in sports extended reality research were (i) sports games and extended reality systems, (ii) virtual simulation devices and artificial intelligence, (iii) sports training and performance and (iv) age-appropriate physical activity, sports rehabilitation and physical education.

Conclusion

The level of author collaboration was low, but the degree of author collaboration is largely on the rise. The closeness of the collaboration between institutions and countries was also low. In addition, the subject of sport extended reality is relatively fragmented. Therefore, more research is needed to strengthen it in the future.

CortexVR: Immersive analysis and training of cognitive executive functions of soccer players using virtual reality and machine learning

Goal

This paper presents an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system to analyze and train Executive Functions (EFs) of soccer players. EFs are important cognitive functions for athletes. They are a relevant quality that distinguishes amateurs from professionals.

Method

The system is based on immersive technology, hence, the user interacts naturally and experiences a training session in a virtual world. The proposed system has a modular design supporting the extension of various so-called game modes. Game modes combine selected game mechanics with specific simulation content to target particular training aspects. The system architecture decouples selection/parameterization and analysis of training sessions via a coaching app from an Unity3D-based VR simulation core. Monitoring of user performance and progress is recorded by a database that sends the necessary feedback to the coaching app for analysis.

Results

The system is tested for VR-critical performance criteria to reveal the usefulness of a new interaction paradigm in the cognitive training and analysis of EFs. Subjective ratings for overall usability show that the design as VR application enhances the user experience compared to a traditional desktop app; whereas the new, unfamiliar interaction paradigm does not negatively impact the effort for using the application.

Conclusion

The system can provide immersive training of EF in a fully virtual environment, eliminating potential distraction. It further provides an easy-to-use analyzes tool to compare user but also an automatic, adaptive training mode.

Assessment of the Relevance and Reliability of Reaction Time Tests Performed in Immersive Virtual Reality by Mixed Martial Arts Fighters

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is increasingly applied in various areas of life. The potential of this technology has also been noticed in recreational physical activity and sports. It appears that a virtual environment can also be used in diagnosing certain psychomotor abilities. The main aim of this study consisted of assessing the relevance and reliability of VR-implemented tests of simple and complex reaction time (RT) performed by mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. Thirty-two professional MMA fighters were tested. The original test developed in the virtual environment was applied for RT assessment. The fighters’ task consisted of reacting to the lighting up of a virtual disc situated in front of them by pushing a controller button. The relevance of the test task was estimated by juxtaposing the obtained results with the classic computer test used for measuring simple and complex reactions, while its reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation procedure. Significant relationships found between the results of VR-implemented tests and computer-based tests confirmed the relevance of the new tool for the assessment of simple and complex RT. In the context of their reliability, RT tests in VR do not differ from tests conducted with the use of standard computer-based tools. VR technology enables the creation of tools that are useful in diagnosing psychomotor abilities. Reaction time tests performed by MMA fighters with the use of VR can be considered relevant, and their reliability is similar to the reliability obtained in computer-based tests.

The field of expertise modulates the time course of neural processes associated with inhibitory control in a sport decision-making task

Inhibitory control (IC), the ability to suppress inappropriate actions, can be improved by regularly facing complex and dynamic situations requiring flexible behaviors, such as in the context of intensive sport practice. However, researchers have not clearly determined whether and how this improvement in IC transfers to ecological and nonecological computer-based tasks. We explored the spatiotemporal dynamics of changes in the brain activity of three groups of athletes performing sport-nonspecific and sport-specific Go/NoGo tasks with video footages of table tennis situations to address this question. We compared table tennis players (n = 20), basketball players (n = 20) and endurance athletes (n = 17) to identify how years of practicing a sport in an unpredictable versus predictable environment shape the IC brain networks and increase the transfer effects to untrained tasks. Overall, the table tennis group responded faster than the two other groups in both Go/NoGo tasks. The electrical neuroimaging analyses performed in the sport-specific Go/NoGo task revealed that this faster response time was supported by an early engagement of brain structures related to decision-making processes in a time window where inhibition processes typically occur. Our collective findings have relevant applied perspectives, as they highlight the importance of designing more ecological domain-related tasks to effectively capture the complex decision-making processes acquired in real-life situations. Finally, the limited effects from sport practice to laboratory-based tasks found in this study question the utility of cognitive training intervention, whose effects would remain specific to the practice environment.

The Effects of Virtual Reality Nonphysical Mental Training on Balance Skills and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Activity in Healthy Adults

CONTEXT

Athletic skills such as balance are considered physical skills. However, these skills may not just improve by physical training, but also by mental training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mental training programs on balance skills and hemodynamic responses of the prefrontal cortex.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Fifty-seven healthy adults (28 females, 29 males), aged between 18-25 years, participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups: virtual reality mental training (VRMT) group, conventional mental training (CMT) group, and control group. The training program included action observation and motor imagery practices with balance exercise videos. The VRMT group trained with a VR head-mounted display, while the CMT group trained with a non-immersive computer screen, for 30 minutes, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. At baseline and after 4 weeks of training, balance was investigated with stabilometry and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Balance tests were performed with simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging to measure prefrontal cortex oxygenation.

RESULTS

For the stabilometry test, at least 1 variable improved significantly in both VRMT and CMT groups but not in the control group. For SEBT, composite reach distance significantly increased in both VRMT and CMT groups but significantly decreased in the control group. For separate directional scores, reach distance was significantly increased in both mental training groups for nondominant leg posterolateral and posteromedial directions, and dominant leg posterolateral direction, while nondominant posteromedial score was significantly increased only in the VRMT group. Between-group comparisons showed that dominant leg posteromedial and posterolateral score improvements were significantly higher than control group for both mental training groups, while nondominant leg improvements were significantly higher than control group only for the VRMT group. The fNIRS oxyhemoglobin levels were not significantly changed during stabilometry tests. However, oxyhemoglobin levels significantly reduced only in the control group during SEBT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that both mental training interventions can significantly improve balance test results. Additionally, VRMT may have some advantages over CMT. These findings are promising for the use of mental training in prevention and rehabilitation for special populations such as athletes and older adults.

Review: Vision and On-field Performance: A Critical Review of Visual Assessment and Training Studies with Athletes

SIGNIFICANCE

Sports vision is an emerging field that seeks to establish the relationships between visual function and sports performance. Here we provide the first critical review of empirical studies that attempt to link visual assessments and vision training to competitive game performance.Vision is essential to producing controlled movement, and therefore, it is intuitive that better visual abilities should relate to better sporting performance. This notion has been central to the field of sports vision, an area of study that seeks to determine the visual skills that underlie optimal sports performance and investigate approaches to train these abilities to improve sports performance. Although this field now contains hundreds of published articles addressing visual assessment and training in athletes, relatively few have attempted to directly link these capabilities to on-field production statistics from competitive matches. The objectives of this article are both to describe the theoretical and experimental framework necessary for such research and to critically review the empirical literature that has attempted to directly link visual assessments and/or training to athletic performance. We begin by describing why such associations are important and then provide an evidence-based framework for evaluating the quality of research in this domain. This is followed by a summary and review of the qualified literature that has addressed either relationships between baseline assessments and game performance or the effects of visual training interventions on game performance. Based on this review, it is concluded that, despite promising evidence supporting the role of vision in sports performance and improvements due to training, the specialty is still in need of methodological improvements. It is recommended that studies aim for larger better-powered studies, consistent and precise outcome measures, and greater scientific rigor such as obtained through randomized placebo-controlled designs with pre-registration of hypotheses.

The Effect of Virtual Reality Technology on the Imagery Skills and Performance of Target-Based Sports Athletes

The aim of this study is the examination of the effect of virtual reality based imagery (VRBI) training programs on the shot performance and imagery skills of athletes and, and to conduct a comparison with Visual Motor Behavior Rehearsal and Video Modeling (VMBR + VM). In the research, mixed research method and sequential explanatory design were used. In the quantitative dimension of the study the semi-experimental model was used, and in the qualitative dimension the case study design was adopted. The research participants were selected from athletes who were involved in our target sports: curling (n = 14), bowling (n = 13), and archery (n = 7). All participants were randomly assigned to VMBR + VM (n = 11), VRBI (n = 12), and Control (n = 11) groups through the "Research Randomizer" program. The quantitative data of the study was: the weekly shot performance scores of the athletes and the data obtained from the "Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised." The qualitative data was obtained from the data collected from the semi-structured interview guide, which was developed by researchers and field experts. According to the results obtained from the study, there were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of shot performance and imagery skills. VRBI training athletes showed more improvement in the 4-week period than the athletes in the VMBR + VM group, in terms of both shot performance and imagery skills. In addition, the VRBI group adapted to the imagery training earlier than the VMBR + VM group. As a result, it was seen that they showed faster development in shot performances. From these findings, it can be said that VRBI program is more efficient in terms of shot performance and imagery skills than VMBR + VM, which is the most used imaging training model.

Future Portrait of the Athletic Brain: Mechanistic Understanding of Human Sport Performance Via Animal Neurophysiology of Motor Behavior

Sport performances are often showcases of skilled motor control. Efforts to understand the neural processes subserving such movements may teach us about general principles of behavior, similarly to how studies on neurological patients have guided early work in cognitive neuroscience. While investigations on non-human animal models offer valuable information on the neural dynamics of skilled motor control that is still difficult to obtain from humans, sport sciences have paid relatively little attention to these mechanisms. Similarly, knowledge emerging from the study of sport performance could inspire innovative experiments in animal neurophysiology, but the latter has been only partially applied. Here, we advocate that fostering interactions between these two seemingly distant fields, i.e., animal neurophysiology and sport sciences, may lead to mutual benefits. For instance, recording and manipulating the activity from neurons of behaving animals offer a unique viewpoint on the computations for motor control, with potentially untapped relevance for motor skills development in athletes. To stimulate such transdisciplinary dialog, in the present article, we also discuss steps for the reverse translation of sport sciences findings to animal models and the evaluation of comparability between animal models of a given sport and athletes. In the final section of the article, we envision that some approaches developed for animal neurophysiology could translate to sport sciences anytime soon (e.g., advanced tracking methods) or in the future (e.g., novel brain stimulation techniques) and could be used to monitor and manipulate motor skills, with implications for human performance extending well beyond sport.

Spatial orientation in virtual environment compared to real-world

Virtual reality (VR) is popular across many disciplines and has been increasingly used in sports as a training tool lately. However, it is not clear whether the spatial orientation of humans works equally within VR and in the real-world. In this paper, two studies are presented, in which natural body movements were allowed and demanded. Firstly, a series of verbal and walking distance estimation tests were conducted in both the virtual and the real environment. The non-parametric Friedman test with pairwise comparisons showed no significant differences neither in verbal nor in walking distance estimations between the conditions (all p > 0.05). However, shorter distances (0.9-1.5 m) were estimated more precisely than larger distances (2.6-2.8 m) in both environments. Secondly, a self-developed route recall test to examine the spatial orientation was performed in the virtual and the real environment. The participants visually perceived the predefined route and were instructed to follow these routes with their eyes blindfolded and afterward to return to their starting position. Between the ending and the starting position, no difference between the two environments was observed (p > 0.05). Based on these two studies, the performance of the human spatial orientation preliminarily verified the same in a virtual and real environment.

Can Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality Be Attractive and Have Sufficient Intensity to Meet Health Recommendations for Obese Children? A Pilot Study

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a technology that blurs the line between the physical world and a digital environment. Using appropriate pointing devices, it is possible to engage in physical activity (PA). The main aim of the study was to assess the attractiveness and intensity of physical exercise while playing active video games (AVGs) in IVR on an omnidirectional treadmill by obese children and to present the results compared to health recommendations (PA). It was also assessed whether the AVGs storyline can effectively motivate the participants to undertake locomotor activity by increasing the intensity of their effort (moving in a limited space vs. having to follow a set route). Eleven children aged 8 to 12 years with diagnosed obesity participated in the experiment. The attractiveness of PA was assessed with a questionnaire, while the intensity of exercise was estimated on the basis of heart rate. The answers show that AVGs are attractive and more enjoyable for the respondents than conventional video games. All participants declared their willingness to practice this form of PA. The intensity of PA of obese children during two games was high but during the game where the player was supposed to follow a set route, it was significantly higher (83.3 ± 9.2% HRmax) than during the game whose storyline assumed moving in a limited space (77.4 ± 9.8% HRmax). Due to the high intensity of PA while playing the AVGs studied, it can be assumed that obese children can benefit for their health if the games are used on a regular basis. However, further research is needed to verify this thesis.

The Effects of Consumer-grade Virtual Reality Headsets on Adult Visual Function

INTRODUCTION

Consumer-grade virtual reality (VR) headset is being used with increasing frequency nowadays, however, the effect on visual function is not clear.

OBJECTIVES

We here investigate whether using VR headset changes adults' visual function and take into account the possible factors.

METHODS

We compared the uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low contrast visual acuity (LCVA), glare visual acuity (GVA), refractive error (RE), amplitude of accommodation (ACC), and pupil diameter (PD) before and after using VR headset 10 mintues at a time twice per day for 2 successive weeks in 40 volunteers with a mean age of 28.6 years. Differences in these 8 parameters before vs. after VR headset use were analyzed using SPSS 22.0.

RESULTS

In our study, we found that the amplitude of accommodation had significantly increased by 0.53 (F = 5.673; P = .006) after using, while visual acuity, refractive error and pupil diameter did not show statistically significant changes (P > .05). Correlation test showed that there was no significant correlation between any two parameters on visual function.

CONCLUSION

It is discovered that using a consumer-grade VR headset 10 minutes at a time twice daily for 2 weeks improved the amplitude of accommodation of adults dramatically, while neither visual acuity nor refractive error was affected.

ABBREVIATIONS

VR: visual reality; UDVA: uncorrected distant visual acuity; UNVA: uncorrected near visual acuity; BCVA: best corrected visual acuity; LCVA: low contrast visual acuity; GVA: glare visual acuity; RE: refractive error; ACC: amplitude of accommodation; PD: pupil diameter; 3D: three-dimensional; VDTS: visual display terminal syndrome; FOV: field of view; SEQ: spherical equivalent diopter.