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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07522515

The Effect of Long-term Virtual Reality-based Motor Imagery Exercise Intervention on Executive Performance in Competitive Shooting Athlete

This study evaluates whether a 12-week virtual reality-based motor imagery (VRMI) training program can improve executive function and shooting performance in competitive 10-meter air pistol athletes. The study compares VRMI with traditional exercise training and a control condition consisting of health education videos.

Eligible athletes are assigned to one of the three groups and complete the assigned intervention for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, participants complete a virtual reality shooting competition and cognitive testing. The study measures shooting performance, visual attention using eye-tracking, prefrontal cortex activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and salivary neurotransmitter levels.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether VRMI is a useful training method for improving attention control, executive function, and performance in precision shooting athletes.

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Key information

Conditions

Executive Function (Cognition) Shooting Performance

Age range

20 year–26 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Capital University of Physical Education and Sports

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100191, China

About this study

Executive function is an important cognitive ability in precision sports such as 10-meter air pistol shooting, where athletes must maintain attention on task-relevant cues while resisting distraction from task-irrelevant information. Motor imagery has been widely used in sport training, but traditional imagery methods may be limited by reduced immersion and lower ecological validity. Virtual reality-based motor imagery (VRMI) may provide a more realistic and engaging training environment by combining immersive virtual scenes with structured imagery practice.

This study is designed to compare the effects of a 12-week VRMI intervention with traditional exercise training and a control condition in competitive shooting athletes. The aim is to examine whether VRMI can provide greater benefits for executive function and shooting-related performance than conventional training approaches.

Participants complete one of three intervention conditions over 12 weeks. The VRMI program uses virtual reality equipment to deliver relaxation, observation, guided motor imagery, and movement practice in a simulated sport environment. The exercise group completes a parallel training program using traditional exercise and video-based methods. The control group watches health education videos for the same duration.

To evaluate the effects of the interventions, participants are assessed before and after the intervention period during a virtual reality shooting competition and cognitive testing procedures. The study examines performance, attention allocation, and brain-related responses associated with executive control in order to better understand the potential value of VRMI as a training strategy for precision sport athletes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy volunteers aged 20 to 26 years.
  • Right-handed.
  • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
  • No history of neurological disorders affecting motor performance.
  • No history of psychiatric disorders affecting motor performance.
  • No history of musculoskeletal disorders affecting motor performance.
  • Willing and able to participate in the 12-week training program.
  • Willing and able to follow all study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

  • Current injury affecting upper limb movement.
  • Past injury affecting upper limb movement or fine motor skills.
  • Sleep disorders during the intervention period.
  • Irregular sleep patterns during the intervention period.
  • Participation in other structured shooting training programs during the study.
  • Participation in other motor imagery training programs during the study.
  • Expected attendance at less than 80% of training sessions.
  • Use of medications that may affect cognitive function.
  • Use of medications that may affect motor function.

Treatment and study plan

Virtual Reality Motor Imagery Training

Behavioral

Participants undergo Virtual Reality Motor Imagery (VRMI) training using Oculus Quest 2 headsets. The intervention includes four stages: progressive muscle relaxation, 3D demonstration of shooting movements, guided motor imagery exercises, and physical rehearsal of shooting techniques. Sessions are 25 minutes per session, three times per week, for 12 weeks. This immersive intervention is designed to enhance shooting performance, executive function, visual attention, and prefrontal cortex activation, distinguishing it from traditional exercise and control interventions.

Traditional Exercise Training

Behavioral

Participants perform traditional exercise training that includes progressive muscle relaxation, 2D video demonstration of shooting movements, guided motor imagery exercises, and physical rehearsal of shooting techniques. Sessions last 25 minutes per session, three times per week, for 12 weeks. This intervention provides both physical and cognitive practice without immersive VR, aiming to improve shooting performance and executive function, while differing from the VRMI intervention in modality and immersive experience.

Health Education Videos

Behavioral

Participants watch educational videos on nutrition and healthy lifestyle. Sessions last 25 minutes per session, three times per week, for 12 weeks. No motor imagery or physical shooting training is included. This control intervention is designed to match contact time with other groups while isolating the effects of VRMI and traditional exercise interventions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from Baseline in Mean Shooting Score in a 10-Meter Air Pistol VR Competition

    Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

    Mean shooting score measured in a virtual reality 10-meter air pistol competition. Scores are based on 24 shots per session, with each shot scored from 0 to 10.9 points. The mean shooting score ranges from 0 to 10.9, with higher scores indicating better shooting performance. Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be assessed.

  2. Shooting Performance Score in 10-Meter Air Pistol Competition

    Time frame: Measured at baseline and after 12-week intervention period.

    The mean shooting score measured in a virtual reality 10-meter air pistol competition. Scores are based on 24 shots per session, with a maximum score of 10.9 per shot. The outcome evaluates the effect of VRMI training, traditional exercise, and control conditions on athletes' precision and consistency.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Xiaodong Cheng

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Long-Term Virtual Reality-Based Motor Imagery Exercise Intervention on Executive Performance in Competitive Shooting Athletes

Acronym: VRMI-ShootEF

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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