Understanding the complex dynamics of motor skill acquisition in swimming is critical for developing effective training programs. Advances in technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, offer new opportunities to enhance learning and performance in this field. This study investigated the impact of virtual reality (VR)-supported video modeling (VM) swimming exercise programs compared with traditional approaches on the swimming performance of beginners. Fifty-five university students participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: the VR-supported VM group (VRVM) (n=28) and the traditional swimming group (TSG) (n=27). The VRVM group engaged in VR-supported VM practice in addition to traditional swimming training, whereas the TSG group only participated in traditional swimming training. The performance variables measured included swimming stroke (SS), crawling kick (CK), swimming duration (SD), heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived excretion (RPE).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
55
Participants receive virtual reality (VR) supported video modeling training in addition to traditional swimming training.
Participants receive only traditional swimming training. Individuals in this group learn swimming techniques through traditional methods (practising in the water under the supervision of an instructor).
Erzurum Technical University Faculty of Sport Sciences
Erzurum, Yakutiye, Turkey (Türkiye)
Swimming stroke
Swimming stroke (SS) refers to the number of strokes performed per minute, which impacts a swimmer's propulsion through the water. It is a critical factor in determining speed and efficiency.
Time frame: Post-Intervention (After 11 Weeks)
Swimming duration
The swimming duration is the swimmer's time to cover a 25-meter distance. Swimmers using the proper freestyle technique are expected to cover a given distance in less time, with lower SD scores positively contributing to swimming performance.
Time frame: Post-Intervention (After 11 Weeks)
Crawling kick
The crawling kick plays an essential role in a swimmer's propulsion and overall speed and balance in the water. Novice swimmers may focus more on breathing and arm strokes, neglecting foot strokes (Lucero, 2015). Therefore, this study assumes that more foot strokes positively impact performance. The CK was calculated based on the number of foot strokes performed over a 25-meter distance.
Time frame: Post-Intervention (After 11 Weeks)
Heart rate
Heart rate is the parameter used to monitor the physiological response of swimmers to exercise and to assess aerobic fitness.
Time frame: Post-Intervention (After 11 Weeks)
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