Virtual reality to assess and train team ball sports performance: A scoping review

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is a widespread technology drawing an increasing interest for players and coaches, especially in team ball sports as it offers a simple tool to simulate, analyse and train situations that are often too complex to reproduce in the field. In this review we aimed at (1) providing an overview of methodologies and outcomes of research studies using VR in team ball sports; (2) better evaluating the potential interest of VR to analyse or train team ball sports situation and (3) identifying limitations, gaps in knowledge and remaining scientific challenges. The MEDLINE and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched, using predefined combinations of keywords. Thirty articles were retained and analysed. VR can be an interesting tool to assess or train team ball sports skills/situations as it allows researchers to control and standardise situations and focus on specific skills/subskills. Studies that used VR in team ball sports still have some limitations, mainly due to technical issues or study design. This paper also describes the way VR should be used to enhance understanding of performance in team ball sports. Additional suggestions for future research and study design are proposed.

Effects of body visualization on performance in head-mounted display virtual reality

“…Many ball sports in VR examined interception of balls, such as anticipating landing points and analyzing the influence of ball spins. However, only a few studies investigated throwing in VR so far (for review see [37]). [40] found that learning free throws in a CAVE is best when beginners see their performance from third-person perspective and with additional ball flight information (ball trajectories).…”

Virtual reality as a vestibular rehabilitation tool for athletes after concussion: a literature review

“…Vestibular rehabilitation is a comprehensive, individualized exercise approach to assessing and treating symptoms due to disorders of the vestibular and balance systems. The goal of therapy is to reduce symptoms, improve postural control, gain and gaze instabilities to return to activities of daily living [10][11][12][13]18,20].…”

“…The knowledge of the patient's diagnosis is a critical foundation for planning comprehensive treatment programs with the goal to reduce impairment and symptoms and expedite the return to daily activities, sports, or work [9][10][11][12][13].…”

“…There is limited research regarding virtual reality in vestibular rehabilitation [19,[20][21][22][23]. Studies presented that rugby and snowboarding athletes had their sensorimotor skills, and dynamic posture improved using vestibular exercises combined with virtual reality technology [13,14], but any study evaluate this tool to recover balance after a concussion. Trials concluded that virtual reality within vestibular rehabilitation improve motor skills [13,14], potentially increase task achievement-rates [15][16][17][18], and memory [16][17][18][19].…”

360° Virtual Reality: A SWOT Analysis in Comparison to Virtual Reality

“…With advancement in technology and more interactive nature of the available technology, the use of applied technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) is increasing at exponential rates in both academic and applied settings (Düking et al, 2018;Faure et al, 2020). VR is defined as simulations of a real or imaginary environment, where a participant can both perceive and interact with the environment (Craig, 2013).…”