Sports training in virtual reality to improve response behavior in karate kumite with transfer to real world

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) training has become valuable in sports to improve motor behavior and train specific situations under standardized conditions. However, studies comparing conventional training with VR training are rare, especially for advanced athletes. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the performance improvement achieved through VR training can be transferred to the real world (RW). Therefore, we present a study analyzing sports-specific response training using a head-mounted display (HMD) combined with conventional training and its transfer to RW. In ten training sessions over 6 weeks, a VR training group (VRG, n = 15) performed virtual karate training (10 min) combined with a conventional training (80 min), while a conventional training group (CG, n = 12) conducted only conventional training (90 min) at the same time. The VR training consisted of the athlete responding to various karate attacks performed by a virtual opponent in a karate-specific manner. The study design included a pretest, an intermediate test (after 5 training sessions), and a posttest. We analyzed sports-specific response behavior concerning the competition-relevant karate attacks Gyaku-Zuki jodan (GZj) and Kizami-Zuki (KZ) using the parameters ‘response time’, and the “response quality” when the athletes had to react to attacks of a virtual opponent in VR and a real opponent in RW. For the parameter “response time,” improvements were detected only for the VRG in VR concerning GZj and KZ. For the parameter “response quality” for both groups, no improvements could be found. Furthermore, athletes provided positive feedback regarding the integration of VR training into conventional training.

The Use of Immersive Technologies in Karate Training: A Scoping Review

“…Τhe studies were conducted from 2018 to 2022, a finding which is in full agreement with the results of a recent bibliometric analysis [25]. Most of the studies, with regards to the main variables included, followed a quantitative methodology [20,21], [23,26,27], one followed a qualitative methodology [22], and one was a mixed-method study [24]. Most of the studies demonstrated good methodological quality in terms of design, data collection, and reporting (for more details, see Appendix A).…”

“…The studies included in this review utilized a range of research designs, such as experimental [20][21][22][23][24]. The studies were conducted from 2018 to 2022, a finding which is in full agreement with the results of a recent bibliometric analysis [25].…”

“…A summary of the key characteristics and relevant findings of each of the included articles is included in Table 4. The assessment instruments and methodologies utilized in these studies exhibited a diverse spectrum, featuring techniques such as reaction time assessments [20,21,26], motion capture technology [20,23,27], performance analysis [21,26], scoring systems [23], and qualitative evaluations [22,24]. A summary of the key characteristics and relevant findings of each of the included articles is included in Table 4.…”

“…Most studies featured a mix of male and female participants, while only one [20] did not explicitly mention the gender of the participants. Finally, most of the studies were conducted in Germany [21][22][23][24]26,27], while only one was conducted in Egypt [20]. For more information regarding demographic data, age, the number of participants, and the country of the research conduction, refer to Table 4.…”

“…Refs. [21,26] showcased the potential of VR training with HMDs in offering karate athletes a heightened sense of realism during training. This immersion in life-like virtual environments closely resembling actual competitive scenarios allows athletes to practice and refine their techniques effectively.…”