Development of professional skills in kickboxing athletes using virtual reality technologies

Abstract

Ukrainian sports are currently facing numerous problems due to the hostile military operations by the Russian Federation, leading to the emigration of gifted athletes from the nation. Considering these challenges, the search for novel ways to support and enhance athletes throughout their careers has become critically important. Cutting-edge technologies, especially virtual reality (VR), are being proposed as a potent means to enhance professional training. They facilitate the fusion of traditional and innovative methods, ensuring that athletic training evolves to meet contemporary demands. This strategy adjusts the requirements of athletes across the spectrum, from beginners to professionals, as well as mentors and sports entities eager to incorporate unconventional technologies into their training regimen. Employing immersive VR settings enables the replication of authentic competitive scenarios and training intensities. It offers the capability to monitor biometric data, evaluating the athletes' resilience to stress, their focus, and their strategic expertise. Anticipated outcomes of this holistic approach include enhanced training session productivity, reinforced mental strength in competitors during events, and expedited recuperation from injuries. The introduction and application of VR technology in sports training signifies a leap towards revitalizing traditional training techniques, ensuring they are modular and adaptable. This facilitates seamless integration into a range of sports disciplines and alignment with diverse training schemes, enhancing Ukraine's global sports standing and positioning the nation as a pioneer in athlete training innovation. In this study, we explored the incorporation of VR technology in kickboxing, specifically targeting the 10–12-year age bracket. At this developmental stage, children are particularly receptive to new experiences and stimuli, making such a technologically enriched environment a powerful tool to boost training enthusiasm. Virtual reality holds the promise of breaking the routine of standard training practices, rendering them more captivating and interactive, which is crucial for attracting young participants.