Location
Solheim 104
Start Date
6-6-2024 2:45 PM
End Date
6-6-2024 3:30 PM
Description
The pursuit of optimal athletic performance and mental focus has long been a central focus in sports science research. In recent years, the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing athlete development. This abstract presents findings from a case study investigating the efficacy of using Meta Quest 2 VR headsets coupled with EEG headbands to track and improve focus and mental preparedness levels in athletes. The study employed a case study methodology, focusing on the use of VR technology to enhance athlete performance and mental focus. Specifically, the research aimed to assess the impact of engaging in athletic priming VR games on preparedness and focus levels. The participants engaged in VR-based training sessions while wearing Meta Quest 2 VR headsets and EEG headbands to monitor their focus levels. One NCAA Division 3 baseball team utilized both VR training and EEG monitoring in order to assess the usefulness of employing VR technology in training. The results of the study revealed promising outcomes regarding the effectiveness of VR technology in enhancing athlete performance and mental focus. Participants reported feeling more prepared and focused after engaging in VR-based athletic priming exercises such as using a reaction time light wall VR game while waiting in the bullpen. Furthermore, the EEG data collected through the headbands indicated increased levels of concentration and focus during VR training sessions. Each participant was asked a series of survey questions to indicate their level of preparedness and feelings of focus. The study has taken place over the course of preseason and regular season. The use of Meta Quest 2 VR headsets provided participants with immersive and interactive experiences, replicating real-world athletic scenarios within a virtual environment. The incorporation of EEG headbands enabled real-time monitoring of participants' focus levels, offering valuable insights into the cognitive processes underlying athletic performance. The findings of this study underscore the potential of VR technology as a tool for athlete development, particularly in improving mental focus and preparedness. By simulating competitive scenarios and providing immediate feedback, VR-based training programs offer athletes a unique opportunity to hone their skills in a controlled and immersive environment. Moreover, the integration of EEG technology further enhances the utility of VR training by providing objective measures of cognitive engagement and focus. This allows coaches and trainers to tailor training programs to individual athletes' needs, optimizing their performance and mental preparedness. In conclusion, the present study highlights the promising role of VR technology in athlete development, particularly in enhancing performance and mental focus. By leveraging tools such as Meta Quest 2 VR headsets and EEG headbands, coaches and athletes can unlock new avenues for improving training efficiency and maximizing competitive success. Further research in this area holds the potential to revolutionize the field of sports science and redefine traditional approaches to athlete development.
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Calvin and Schools, Jordan, "Immersive Training: Elevating Athlete Performance and Cognitive Focus with VR and EEG Integration" (2024). CSKLS Annual Conference. 7.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/cskls-conference/2024/Wednesday/7
Included in
Kinesiology Commons, Leisure Studies Commons, Sports Management Commons, Sports Studies Commons
Immersive Training: Elevating Athlete Performance and Cognitive Focus with VR and EEG Integration
Solheim 104
The pursuit of optimal athletic performance and mental focus has long been a central focus in sports science research. In recent years, the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing athlete development. This abstract presents findings from a case study investigating the efficacy of using Meta Quest 2 VR headsets coupled with EEG headbands to track and improve focus and mental preparedness levels in athletes. The study employed a case study methodology, focusing on the use of VR technology to enhance athlete performance and mental focus. Specifically, the research aimed to assess the impact of engaging in athletic priming VR games on preparedness and focus levels. The participants engaged in VR-based training sessions while wearing Meta Quest 2 VR headsets and EEG headbands to monitor their focus levels. One NCAA Division 3 baseball team utilized both VR training and EEG monitoring in order to assess the usefulness of employing VR technology in training. The results of the study revealed promising outcomes regarding the effectiveness of VR technology in enhancing athlete performance and mental focus. Participants reported feeling more prepared and focused after engaging in VR-based athletic priming exercises such as using a reaction time light wall VR game while waiting in the bullpen. Furthermore, the EEG data collected through the headbands indicated increased levels of concentration and focus during VR training sessions. Each participant was asked a series of survey questions to indicate their level of preparedness and feelings of focus. The study has taken place over the course of preseason and regular season. The use of Meta Quest 2 VR headsets provided participants with immersive and interactive experiences, replicating real-world athletic scenarios within a virtual environment. The incorporation of EEG headbands enabled real-time monitoring of participants' focus levels, offering valuable insights into the cognitive processes underlying athletic performance. The findings of this study underscore the potential of VR technology as a tool for athlete development, particularly in improving mental focus and preparedness. By simulating competitive scenarios and providing immediate feedback, VR-based training programs offer athletes a unique opportunity to hone their skills in a controlled and immersive environment. Moreover, the integration of EEG technology further enhances the utility of VR training by providing objective measures of cognitive engagement and focus. This allows coaches and trainers to tailor training programs to individual athletes' needs, optimizing their performance and mental preparedness. In conclusion, the present study highlights the promising role of VR technology in athlete development, particularly in enhancing performance and mental focus. By leveraging tools such as Meta Quest 2 VR headsets and EEG headbands, coaches and athletes can unlock new avenues for improving training efficiency and maximizing competitive success. Further research in this area holds the potential to revolutionize the field of sports science and redefine traditional approaches to athlete development.
