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.
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 Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
134
Participants undergo Virtual Reality Motor Imagery (VRMI) training using Oculus Quest 2 headsets. The intervention includes four stages: progressive muscle relaxation, 3D demonstration of shooting movements, guided motor imagery exercises, and physical rehearsal of shooting techniques. Sessions are 25 minutes per session, three times per week, for 12 weeks. This immersive intervention is designed to enhance shooting performance, executive function, visual attention, and prefrontal cortex activation, distinguishing it from traditional exercise and control interventions.
Participants perform traditional exercise training that includes progressive muscle relaxation, 2D video demonstration of shooting movements, guided motor imagery exercises, and physical rehearsal of shooting techniques. Sessions last 25 minutes per session, three times per week, for 12 weeks. This intervention provides both physical and cognitive practice without immersive VR, aiming to improve shooting performance and executive function, while differing from the VRMI intervention in modality and immersive experience.
Participants watch educational videos on nutrition and healthy lifestyle. Sessions last 25 minutes per session, three times per week, for 12 weeks. No motor imagery or physical shooting training is included. This control intervention is designed to match contact time with other groups while isolating the effects of VRMI and traditional exercise interventions.
Capital University of Physical Education and Sports
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
Change from Baseline in Mean Shooting Score in a 10-Meter Air Pistol VR Competition
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.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Shooting Performance Score in 10-Meter Air Pistol Competition
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.
Time frame: Measured at baseline and after 12-week intervention period.
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