The Effect of Virtual Reality (VR)-Assisted Exercises on Developing and Learning Certain Mental Abilities and Floor Exercise Skills in Artistic Gymnastics among Students

Waad Gharbi Saleh; Ahmed Najm Abdullah; Basim Majeed Mohammed

doi:10.66968/qchysy87

Authors

Waad Gharbi Saleh General Directorate of Education in Kirkuk Author
Ahmed Najm Abdullah General Directorate of Education in Salah Al-Din Author
Basim Majeed Mohammed College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Tikrit University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66968/qchysy87

Keywords:

Virtual Reality (VR), Floor Exercises, Cognitive-Motor Skills, Artistic Gymnastics

Abstract

Backgroud: The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of exercises performed in virtual reality on the formation of some specific cognitive and motor skills, and on floor exercises techniques in artistic gymnastics in students, and to find differences between training programs that use virtual reality and conventional ones.

Methods: Experimental design has been used as the design of this study because of its correspondence to the study objectives. The sample consisted of 26 male students from Al-Jihad Preparatory School for Boys, Kirkuk Directorate of Education, and divided randomly into two equal groups; an experimental group and a control one, each consisted of 13 students. The experimental group had participated in an instructional program assisted with Virtual Reality (VR), while the other had followed traditional instructional program.

Results: The data have been gathered using motor performance evaluation form, systematic observation, personal interview and video recording to test technical performance. Results showed a significant improvement from pre- to post-test in the learning of the selected artistic gymnastics skills, as well as statistical significance between post-tests of the two groups in favor of the experimental group. The authors explained such results due to the interactive environment provided by virtual reality, where visualization of technical performance, attention, involvement, and motivation towards learning are improved.

Conclusions: Virtual Reality (VR)-assisted training programs significantly improve cognitive-motor skills and basic floor exercises techniques skills in artistic gymnastics compared to conventional programs.

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