Ruler Drop Method in Virtual Reality as an Accurate and Reliable Tool for Evaluation of Reaction Time of Mixed Martial Artists

Abstract

Reaction time (RT) is one of the key factors in combat sports. Its high level is a predictor of sporting success. Therefore, RT tests are an important diagnostic tool in combat sports. The implementation of some conventional psychomotor tests in virtual settings can facilitate research and improve the objectivity and standardization of the measurement procedure. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of RT measurements, using the ruler drop method (RDM) implemented within immersive virtual reality (VR). Twenty-eight professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters were examined. The validity of the new VR measurement method was estimated by comparing the results obtained using the computer test and the conventional catch-the-ruler test. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using an intraclass correlation procedure. Analysis of variance was used to examine the differences in RT in MMA fighters obtained from different tests. Significant correlations were found between the results of measurements in VR and the results of other tests, with the highest values observed between the tests performed in a virtual environment and computer-based tests. The values of the ICC intraclass correlation coefficients for all the reaction time tests conducted in the group of MMA fighters were at an adequate or high level. The analysis of variance showed that the reaction time of MMA fighters differed significantly between the tests. In VR and computer-based tests, reaction times were significantly longer than during conventional RDM measurements. RT did not depend on the hand used during the test. In conclusion, the VR environment allows for designing and conducting valid reaction time tests reliably and objectively, using standard testing procedures, while reducing the effect of human factors on the measurement results.

Using Ankle Weights as an Effective Way to Increase the Intensity of Physical Activity While Playing Immersive Virtual Reality Games on an Omnidirectional Treadmill

“…It is used in healthcare, education, engineering, manufacturing, and entertainment, among others [1][2][3][4][5]. There is also a growing interest in using this technology in athletic training to diagnose and control athletes' motor skills and improve their sports performance [6][7][8][9]. Active virtual reality games (AVRGs), which require the user to do a physical exercise, are also becoming popular [10].…”

Application of immersive virtual reality in the training of wheelchair boxers: evaluation of exercise intensity and users experience additional load– a pilot exploratory study

“…Over the past few years, there has been a dynamic development of VR and growing interest in workout apps and active virtual reality video games (AVRGs), which provide entertainment and enable users to undertake various forms of physical activity (PA). There have been studies on the intensity of PA in VR [ 2 – 5 ], analysis of body movements in an immersive virtual environment [ 6 , 7 ], the evaluation of the enjoyment of this type of physical exercise [ 3 , 4 , 8 – 12 ], and the possibility of diagnosing and shaping motor and cognitive abilities in a virtual world [ 13 – 16 ].…”

“…It is worth emphasizing that thanks to existing interactive training programs, it is possible to practice various forms of PA in a virtual environment. The great potential of immersive VR technology in sports is evidenced by the fact that it is increasingly being used by trainers in the process of improving physical fitness [ 13 , 14 , 36 – 38 ] and even teaching movement skills. There is already evidence that skills acquired in VR can be transferred to the real world [ 39 – 41 ].…”

Assessment of the intensity and attractiveness of physical exercise while playing table tennis in an immersive virtual environment depending on the game mode

“…There is also evidence that movement skills acquired in VR can be transferred to the real world [ 7 – 9 ], which may have important implications for sports training and recreational physical activity (PA). In sport and PA, VR is also increasingly being used to develop and diagnose motor abilities [ 10 – 14 ], practising various forms of exercise [ 15 , 16 ], and even the assessment and analysis of certain movement parameters [ 17 ]. The first studies are being conducted on the effectiveness of VR exercises used in physical education (PE) classes in schools compared to typical forms of PA [ 18 ].…”