The Effect of Long-Term Virtual Reality-Based Motor Imagery Exercise Intervention on Executive Performance in Competitive Shooting Athletes
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Xiaodong Cheng
- Enrollment
- 134
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change from Baseline in Mean Shooting Score in a 10-Meter Air Pistol VR Competition
Overview
Brief Summary
This study evaluates whether a 12-week virtual reality-based motor imagery (VRMI) training program can improve executive function and shooting performance in competitive 10-meter air pistol athletes. The study compares VRMI with traditional exercise training and a control condition consisting of health education videos.
Eligible athletes are assigned to one of the three groups and complete the assigned intervention for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, participants complete a virtual reality shooting competition and cognitive testing. The study measures shooting performance, visual attention using eye-tracking, prefrontal cortex activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and salivary neurotransmitter levels.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether VRMI is a useful training method for improving attention control, executive function, and performance in precision shooting athletes.
Detailed Description
Executive function is an important cognitive ability in precision sports such as 10-meter air pistol shooting, where athletes must maintain attention on task-relevant cues while resisting distraction from task-irrelevant information. Motor imagery has been widely used in sport training, but traditional imagery methods may be limited by reduced immersion and lower ecological validity. Virtual reality-based motor imagery (VRMI) may provide a more realistic and engaging training environment by combining immersive virtual scenes with structured imagery practice.
This study is designed to compare the effects of a 12-week VRMI intervention with traditional exercise training and a control condition in competitive shooting athletes. The aim is to examine whether VRMI can provide greater benefits for executive function and shooting-related performance than conventional training approaches.
Participants complete one of three intervention conditions over 12 weeks. The VRMI program uses virtual reality equipment to deliver relaxation, observation, guided motor imagery, and movement practice in a simulated sport environment. The exercise group completes a parallel training program using traditional exercise and video-based methods. The control group watches health education videos for the same duration.
To evaluate the effects of the interventions, participants are assessed before and after the intervention period during a virtual reality shooting competition and cognitive testing procedures. The study examines performance, attention allocation, and brain-related responses associated with executive control in order to better understand the potential value of VRMI as a training strategy for precision sport athletes.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Participant)
Masking Description
Due to the nature of the interventions, participants and trainers cannot be blinded, as the VRMI training, traditional exercise training, and health education videos are visibly different. However, outcome assessors and data analysts are blinded to group assignment to minimize bias in data collection and analysis. No other parties are masked beyond these roles.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 20 Years to 26 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Healthy volunteers aged 20 to 26 years.
- •Right-handed.
- •Normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
- •No history of neurological disorders affecting motor performance.
- •No history of psychiatric disorders affecting motor performance.
- •No history of musculoskeletal disorders affecting motor performance.
- •Willing and able to participate in the 12-week training program.
- •Willing and able to follow all study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Current injury affecting upper limb movement.
- •Past injury affecting upper limb movement or fine motor skills.
- •Sleep disorders during the intervention period.
- •Irregular sleep patterns during the intervention period.
- •Participation in other structured shooting training programs during the study.
- •Participation in other motor imagery training programs during the study.
- •Expected attendance at less than 80% of training sessions.
- •Use of medications that may affect cognitive function.
- •Use of medications that may affect motor function.
Arms & Interventions
VRMI Training (Experimental Intervention)
Participants receive Virtual Reality Motor Imagery (VRMI) training, which includes progressive muscle relaxation, 3D demonstration, guided motor imagery, and physical practice. Sessions are 25 minutes long, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. This arm aims to improve shooting performance, executive function, and visual attention.
Intervention: Virtual Reality Motor Imagery Training (Behavioral)
Traditional Exercise Training
Participants receive traditional exercise training, including progressive muscle relaxation, 2D video demonstration, guided motor imagery, and physical practice. Sessions are 25 minutes long, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. This arm is designed to improve shooting performance, executive function, and visual attention, but without immersive VR.
Intervention: Traditional Exercise Training (Behavioral)
Control Group - Health Education Videos
Participants watch educational videos about nutrition and healthy lifestyle. Sessions are 25 minutes long, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. No physical training is included. This arm serves as a control to distinguish the effects of the experimental interventions.
Intervention: Health Education Videos (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change from Baseline in Mean Shooting Score in a 10-Meter Air Pistol VR Competition
Time Frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Mean shooting score measured in a virtual reality 10-meter air pistol competition. Scores are based on 24 shots per session, with each shot scored from 0 to 10.9 points. The mean shooting score ranges from 0 to 10.9, with higher scores indicating better shooting performance. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be assessed.
Shooting Performance Score in 10-Meter Air Pistol Competition
Time Frame: Measured at baseline and after 12-week intervention period.
The mean shooting score measured in a virtual reality 10-meter air pistol competition. Scores are based on 24 shots per session, with a maximum score of 10.9 per shot. The outcome evaluates the effect of VRMI training, traditional exercise, and control conditions on athletes' precision and consistency.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Xiaodong Cheng
Xian Medical University
Xi'an Medical University