CortexVR: Immersive analysis and training of cognitive executive functions of soccer players using virtual reality and machine learning

Christian Krupitzer; Jens Naber; Jan-Philipp Stauffert; Jan Mayer; Jan Spielmann; Paul Ehmann; Noel Boci; Maurice Bürkle; André Ho; Clemens Komorek; Felix Heinickel; Samuel Kounev; Christian Becker; Marc Erich Latoschik

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.754732

CortexVR: Immersive analysis and training of cognitive executive functions of soccer players using virtual reality and machine learning

Front Psychol. 2022 Aug 23:13:754732. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.754732. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department Food Informatics and Computational Science Lab, Universität Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
² Chair of Information Systems II, Universtiät Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
³ HCI Group, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
⁴ TSG Research Lab, Zuzenhaussen, Germany.
⁵ Software Enngineering Group, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

Abstract

Goal: This paper presents an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system to analyze and train Executive Functions (EFs) of soccer players. EFs are important cognitive functions for athletes. They are a relevant quality that distinguishes amateurs from professionals.

Method: The system is based on immersive technology, hence, the user interacts naturally and experiences a training session in a virtual world. The proposed system has a modular design supporting the extension of various so-called game modes. Game modes combine selected game mechanics with specific simulation content to target particular training aspects. The system architecture decouples selection/parameterization and analysis of training sessions via a coaching app from an Unity3D-based VR simulation core. Monitoring of user performance and progress is recorded by a database that sends the necessary feedback to the coaching app for analysis.

Results: The system is tested for VR-critical performance criteria to reveal the usefulness of a new interaction paradigm in the cognitive training and analysis of EFs. Subjective ratings for overall usability show that the design as VR application enhances the user experience compared to a traditional desktop app; whereas the new, unfamiliar interaction paradigm does not negatively impact the effort for using the application.

Conclusion: The system can provide immersive training of EF in a fully virtual environment, eliminating potential distraction. It further provides an easy-to-use analyzes tool to compare user but also an automatic, adaptive training mode.

Keywords: executive functions; healthcare; machine learning; sports analytics; training; training of cognitive functions; virtual worlds training simulations.