Interest in Virtual Reality for Injury Rehabilitation and Performance Enhancement Among Collegiate Soccer Athletes

Abstract

Interventions using virtual reality (VR) in three or two-dimensional, multi-sensory, synthetic worlds have been used to enhance rehabilitation and performance (e.g., combat PTSD in military personal, increase motor control in stroke-recovery patients). VR also has potential as a method for rehabilitation from sporting injuries. PURPOSE: To assess athletes’ interest in VR as an intervention to enhance performance and injury rehabilitation, and to identify preferred components within a VR world. We also explored gender influences on these preferences. We focused on one collegiate sport, soccer, at three levels (NCAA, NAIA, Junior College). METHODS: Sixty-eight collegiate soccer (25 male; 43 female) athletes completed an electronic survey which included demographics, as well as the virtual reality interest survey created to assess VR use, interest and specific factors athletes may find useful in a VR environment. RESULTS: Participants’ responses on a 10-point Likert-type scale from not interested (1) to extremely interested (10), indicated strong interest in using VR, both in recovery from injury (M=7.06, SD=2.67), and to improve sport performance (M=7.89, SD=2.59). Additional items asked about interest in specific forms of VR with the same 10-point response scale. Athletes indicated strong interest in viewing sport-specific scenarios (M=7.26, SD= 2.66), sport-specific skills (M=6.89, SD=2.73), and physically touching a soccer ball while submerged in a virtual world (M=6.89, SD=2.83). Other items, such as seeing a crowd in the stands, presence of an avatar coach, or viewing a teammates perform a sport skill unsuccessfully, were rated of less interest. In terms of gender, men were more interested than women in using VR both for injury recovery (Male: M=8.24, SD=2.18; Female: M=6.34, SD=2.70) and to enhance performance (Male: M=9.00, SD=1.84; Female: M=7.21, SD=2.77) CONCLUSION: VR interest is high among collegiate soccer athletes, both for injury recovery and performance enhancement. The athletes were particularly interested in a VR environment that incorporates sport-specific scenarios and physically touching a soccer ball. Men had stronger interests in VR, but both men and women athletes at all levels indicated interest in engaging in VR to assist in injury recovery and performance enhancement.