Effect of an Immersive Virtual Reality Physical Intervention Program on Reaction Time in Secondary School Students: A Pilot Study

Browse trials for

• Motor Activity 9,798

Keywords

• Immersive Virtual Reality
• Physical Exercise
• Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
• Visual Reaction Time
• Auditory Reaction Time

Motor Activity

9,798 studies on the registry are indexed under Motor Activity; 1,910 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 24 is below the median of 60 across 8,388 interventional studies indexed under Motor Activity.

Lead sponsor

University of Vigo is the lead sponsor of 53 studies on the registry; 13 are open to participants now.

Study arms

• Experimental
  Immersive Virtual Reality Eye-Hand Coordination Training

  Participants assigned to the experimental arm received an immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based eye-hand coordination training program in addition to their regular handball training. The program was delivered over an 8-week period and was designed to improve visuomotor performance, reaction time, cognitive processing, and tactical effectiveness. Participants continued their usual club-based handball training throughout the study.

  Behavioral: Immersive Virtual Reality Eye-Hand Coordination Training

• Placebo comparator
  Usual Handball Training

  Participants assigned to the control arm continued their regular handball training activities prescribed by their clubs throughout the 8-week study period. No immersive virtual reality exposure or additional eye-hand coordination training was provided.

  Behavioral: Usual Handball Training

Interventions

• BehavioralImmersive Virtual Reality Eye-Hand Coordination Training

  The intervention consisted of a structured eye-hand coordination training program delivered through immersive virtual reality using the Rezzil Player: MicroWall exergame and a Meta Quest 2 head-mounted display with handheld controllers. Participants completed one familiarization session followed by 13 training sessions over 8 weeks (two sessions per week). During each session, participants were required to identify and touch randomly appearing red visual targets as quickly as possible using the controllers. Training difficulty was progressively increased by modifying the spatial configuration of the virtual panels (3×3, 60°, 180°, and 360°). Each training trial lasted 1 minute, and performance was quantified according to the number of targets successfully reached and response speed.

• BehavioralUsual Handball Training

  Participants continued their standard handball training routines under the supervision of their coaches according to normal club practice. No specific experimental intervention, placebo treatment, or virtual reality-based training was administered during the study period.

Primary outcomes

1. Visual Reaction Time

   Visual Reaction Time (milliseconds) Visual reaction time was assessed using the Fast Reflex smartphone application. Participants were instructed to touch the screen as quickly as possible when it changed color from red to green. Response times were automatically recorded by the application and expressed in milliseconds. Three familiarization trials were completed before testing, and the subsequent three trials were recorded for analysis.

   Time frame: 8 weeks

2. Auditory Reaction Time

   Auditory Reaction Time (milliseconds) Auditory reaction time was assessed using the Fast Reflex smartphone application. Participants were instructed to touch the screen as quickly as possible upon hearing an auditory signal emitted by the device. Response times were automatically recorded in milliseconds. Following three familiarization trials, the next three trials were recorded and used for analysis.

   Time frame: 8 weeks

3. Cognitive Processing Speed

   Cognitive Processing Speed (SDMT score) Cognitive processing speed was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Participants were required to match a series of symbols with their corresponding numbers as quickly and accurately as possible according to a predefined key. The outcome measure was the total number of correct responses completed within 90 seconds. The number of errors committed during task performance was also recorded.

   Time frame: 8 weeks

4. Tactical Effectiveness Index

   Tactical Effectiveness Index (TEI; 0-100 points) Tactical effectiveness was assessed using a composite Tactical Effectiveness Index (TEI) derived from official competition statistics. The index incorporated positive performance indicators (goals scored, shooting percentage, 7-m throws earned, ball recoveries, defensive blocks, saves, and save percentage) and negative performance indicators (7-m throws conceded, turnovers, 2-min suspensions, and disciplinary sanctions). All variables were standardized using z-scores. For negative indicators, z-scores were multiplied by -1 so that higher values consistently reflected greater tactical effectiveness. Standardized scores were summed to obtain a raw score and subsequently transformed to a 0-100 scale using min-max normalization. Higher scores indicate greater tactical effectiveness.

   Time frame: 8 weeks

Secondary outcomes

1. Simulator Sickness Questionnaire

   Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ score) The safety and tolerability of the immersive virtual reality intervention were evaluated using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). The questionnaire assesses symptoms associated with cybersickness, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity.

   Time frame: 8 weeks

2. Game Experience Questionnaire - Post-Game Module

   Game Experience Questionnaire - Post-Game Module (GEQ score 0-100) Participants' subjective experience with the virtual reality system was evaluated using the Game Experience Questionnaire - Post-Game Module (GEQ). This instrument assesses dimensions related to the user experience following interaction with the virtual reality environment.

   Time frame: 8 weeks