Sport performance
and virtual reality
Exercise & Sports performance training is a new therapeutic area that includes different environments for physical and sporting activity and some techniques for improvement of sport performance.
First, research has demonstrated, quantitative and qualitative, the efficacy of exercise in clinical samples. The meta-analysis of 11 treatment outcome studies of individuals with depression yielded a very large combined effect size for the advantage of exercise over control conditions (Stathopoulou, G., et al., 2006). Exercise seems to be effective as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders but it is less effective compared with antidepressant treatment. Both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise seems to reduce anxiety symptoms.
There have been a few hypothesised mechanisms of anxiety reduction following exercise; enhanced self-efficacy, experiences of mastery, distraction from anxiety-provoking stimuli, a method of exposure therapy, neurotransmitter changes, peptide changes and changes of self-concept have been proposed( Martinsen EW, et al. 1989, Broocks A, et al. 1998, Strohle A. 2009, Jayakody, K.et al., 2014). Based on these findings, we encourage healthcare professionals to consider the role of adjunctive exercise interventions in their clinical practice.
On the other hand, physiological (activation levels, respiratory and muscle tension management…) and cognitive process (attention, concentration, thought management…) can be evaluated and trained to improve sports performance (Gardner, F. L., & Moore, Z. E., 2006 & 2019; Mardon, N., et al, 2016; Moen et al., 2016; Ducrocq, E., et al. 2018).
Virtual Reality (VR) has been shown to improve adherence to exercise, be effective in training race pacing strategies, enhance effort, improve mood and enjoyment, and increase cognitive functioning when compared to control conditions (Neumann, D. L. , 2016).
A recent review indicates that VR can be a promising adjunct to existing real-world training and participation in sport. A VR-based system for training and participation has several advantages such as enabling athletes to train regardless of weather conditions, providing a means to compete with others in a different geographic location, and allowing precise and replicable control over features of the virtual environment (Neumann, D. L. et al. , 2018, Gardner, F. L., & Moore, Z. E., 2019).
Psious’ “Exercise & Sports performance training” tools were created to help healthcare professionals with the management of anxiety and mood related symptoms and with the training and improvement of sport performance. These tools can help the patient by means of evidence-based techniques: Breathing Techniques, Progressive Muscular Relaxation, Imaginary, Body Scan & Mindfulness.