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

Abstract

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.

VR Health Experience: A Virtual Space for Arts and Psychomotor Therapy

“…This will be crucial for implementation and dissemination of VR in regular clinical practice. A recent study of Bedir and Erhan (2021) on the effect of a VR training programme on the performance of athletes showed that the participants in the VR condition improved significantly compared to those in the video training condition. However, this must be studied more closely before making any statements about it.…”

Motor Imagery and Action Observation: A Case for the Integration of 360°VR

“…For example, Im et al ( 2016 ) reported that virtual-reality-guided MI of a wrist extension task increased cortical excitability in both stroke patients and healthy participants more than MI alone. Similarly, Bedir and Erhan ( 2021 ) reported significant improvements in shot accuracy in curling, bowling and archery athletes following VR-based imagery relative to Visual Motor Behavior Rehearsal and Video Modeling. In addition, it was noted that the VR component may have contributed to participants adapting to imagery training earlier due to the enhanced simulation of kinesthetic, visual and auditory senses.…”

The Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Sports Psychology: Theory, Practice, and Prospect

“…We have ushered in a new era, but in terms of the number of national publications, there is still a big gap with European and American countries, which is mainly limited by differences in economic conditions, cultural background, and scientific research capabilities. In general, every year, new countries join the research of virtual reality technology, which can be divided into the following three stages [ 15 ]. Development period: since 2012, emerging countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lithuania, Pakistan, and Jordan have also begun to work on virtual reality research [ 16 ].…”