This study investigates the effect of real-time pose recognition technology on learning tennis skills in individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The study compares two training methods: traditional face-to-face tennis instruction and training supported by Real-Time Pose Recognition System (RPRS). Thirty participants aged 12-18 from special education institutions in Burdur, Turkey, were randomly assigned to either the experimental group using the technology or a control group receiving traditional instruction. The study aims to determine whether the use of real-time pose recognition improves tennis skill accuracy, learning speed, attention, and motivation compared to traditional methods.
This study was conducted over 14 weeks with 30 participants aged 12-18 years, diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, recruited from special education institutions in Burdur, Turkey. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group receiving tennis training supported by RPRT and a control group receiving traditional face-to-face instruction. The intervention consisted of three 45-minute sessions per week, with participants practicing forehand, backhand, and serve skills. The experimental group used a MediaPipe-based system that provided real-time visual feedback on movement accuracy, including body pose, hand gestures, and eye tracking (FaceMesh and Iris modules). The control group received conventional instruction with in-person guidance and manual correction from instructors. Weekly interim assessments monitored skill accuracy, frequency and type of errors, reaction time, attention, and motivation. Primary outcomes included skill performance metrics and reaction times, while motivation and attention were assessed using semi-structured interviews. Data were collected via structured observation forms, video recordings, and interviews, and analyzed using SPSS software with repeated measures ANOVA and paired/independent t-tests.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
Participants perform tennis movements (forehand, backhand, serve) individually while the RPRS (MediaPipe) system provides real-time visual feedback on movement accuracy, records movement correctness, reaction time, and errors. Training occurs 3 times per week, 45 minutes per session, for 14 weeks. Instructors provide guidance focusing on system feedback.
Participants receive conventional tennis instruction from trainers, including demonstrations, manual corrections, and guidance on correct movement execution. Sessions occur 3 times per week, 45 minutes per session, for 14 weeks, following the same movement curriculum (forehand, backhand, serve). Weekly assessments include movement accuracy, error frequency/type, reaction time, and attention/motivation levels.
Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Burdur, Burdur, Turkey (Türkiye)
Accuracy and Number of Errors in Tennis Movements
Accuracy of forehand, backhand, and serve movements, and the number, type, and frequency of errors will be measured using camera recordings and RPRS. Evaluations occur at pre-test, weekly interim assessments, and post-test.
Time frame: 14 weeks, with weekly assessments and post-test
Reaction Time in Tennis Movements
Time taken to initiate and complete forehand, backhand, and serve movements. Measured using the RPRS at pre-test, weekly interim assessments, and post-test.
Time frame: 14 weeks, with weekly assessments and post-test
Learning Speed in Tennis Movements
Improvement rate in movement accuracy during the 14-week training program. Calculated from weekly scores and pre-post test results using the RPRS.
Time frame: 14 weeks, with weekly assessments and post-test
Attention Level During Sessions
Participants' attention during sessions, measured via semi-structured interviews and eye-tracking data at pre-test, mid-test, and post-test.
Time frame: Pre-test, week 7, and post-test
Motivation Level During Sessions
Participants' self-reported motivation, assessed through semi-structured interviews at pre-test, mid-test, and post-test.
Time frame: Pre-test, week 7, and post-test
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