VR-Based Video Modeling for Novice Swimmers

Understanding the complex dynamics of motor skill acquisition in swimming is critical for developing effective training programs. Advances in technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, offer new opportunities to enhance learning and performance in this field. This study investigated the impact of virtual reality (VR)-supported video modeling (VM) swimming exercise programs compared with traditional approaches on the swimming performance of beginners. Fifty-five university students participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: the VR-supported VM group (VRVM) (n=28) and the traditional swimming group (TSG) (n=27). The VRVM group engaged in VR-supported VM practice in addition to traditional swimming training, whereas the TSG group only participated in traditional swimming training. The performance variables measured included swimming stroke (SS), crawling kick (CK), swimming duration (SD), heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived excretion (RPE).