A Movement Analysis System based on Immersive Virtual Reality and Wearable Technology for Sport Training

The use of virtual reality (VR) is widespread in a growing number of application domains. Continuous technological advancements in the field of computer graphics made VR an interesting tool for learning purposes, especially in sport. Examples can be found in different sports such as rugby, baseball, soccer, golf, etc. This paper presents a VR-based training system that can be used as a self-learning tool to improve the execution of a given technical gesture. In particular, the basketball free throw gesture is considered. To assess the usefulness of the proposed system, experimental tests were carried out in a small-scale setup by involving 18 non-skilled volunteers. Results demonstrated that the designed system can improve the execution of the considered gesture in terms of both timing and spatial positioning compared to an alternative technique based on video projection.

[1]  Noel E. O'Connor,et al.  A virtual coaching environment for improving golf swing technique , 2010, SMVC '10.

[2]  Seungyong Lee,et al.  Motion retargeting and evaluation for VR-based training of free motions , 2003, The Visual Computer.

[3]  Ruth de Villiers,et al.  Virtual reality training applications for the mining industry , 2009, Afrigraph.

[4]  Taku Komura,et al.  A Virtual Reality Dance Training System Using Motion Capture Technology , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies.

[5]  C. T. Hayashi.  Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology , 1998 .

[6]  Franck Multon,et al.  Using Virtual Reality to Analyze Sports Performance , 2010, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[7]  A. Al-khalifah,et al.  Using virtual reality for medical diagnosis, training and education , 2006 .

[8]  Doru Talaba,et al.  A Virtual Reality Simulator for Basketball Free-Throw Skills Development , 2012, DoCEIS.

[9]  Franck Multon,et al.  Third person view and guidance for more natural motor behaviour in immersive basketball playing , 2014, VRST '14.

[10]  Woon-Sung Lee,et al.  A driving simulator as a virtual reality tool , 1998, Proceedings. 1998 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (Cat. No.98CH36146).

[11]  Andrea Gaggioli,et al.  Virtual Reality Training for Health-Care Professionals , 2003, Cyberpsychology Behav. Soc. Netw..

[12]  Lu Wang,et al.  Effect of a Virtual Coach on Athletes' Motivation , 2006, PERSUASIVE.

[13]  D. De Clercq,et al.  Understanding how an arm swing enhances performance in the vertical jump. , 2004, Journal of biomechanics.

[14]  Darin A Padua,et al.  Integrated Injury Prevention Program Improves Balance and Vertical Jump Height in Children , 2010, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[15]  François Bernier,et al.  Virtual Reality and the Training of Military Personnel to Cope with Acute Stressors , 2011 .

[16]  William H Warren,et al.  Catching fly balls in virtual reality: a critical test of the outfielder problem. , 2009, Journal of vision.

[17]  Ning Hu,et al.  Training for physical tasks in virtual environments: Tai Chi , 2003, IEEE Virtual Reality, 2003. Proceedings..

[18]  Walid Y. Thabet,et al.  Implementation and evaluation of a VR task-based training tool for conveyor belt safety training , 2008, J. Inf. Technol. Constr..

[19]  Li Liwei.  Applications of Computer Virtual Reality Technology in Modern Sports , 2012, 2012 Fourth International Symposium on Information Science and Engineering.

[20]  Paul van Schaik,et al.  The Short-Term Effects of Real-Time Virtual Reality Feedback on Motor Learning in Dance , 2011, PRESENCE: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments.

[21]  John T. Bell,et al.  Investigation and application of virtual reality as an educational tool , 1995 .

[22]  R S Kalawsky,et al.  VRUSE--a computerised diagnostic tool: for usability evaluation of virtual/synthetic environment systems. , 1999, Applied ergonomics.

[23]  Cathy Craig,et al.  Detecting Deceptive Movement in 1 vs. 1 Based on Global Body Displacement of a Rugby Player , 2009 .