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Perceptual Response Training for Reduction of Injury Risk Among High School Girls' Soccer Players
Gary B Wilkerson1, Kyle S Mether2, Zoë A Perrin3
1Department of Health & Human Performance, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA.
Brain Sciences
|November 27, 2024
Summary
This study shows that improving movement initiation consistency through a brief virtual reality training program can significantly reduce the risk of sports injuries, including concussions and musculoskeletal injuries, in female soccer players.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Neural processes in visual detection, decision-making, and motor execution are crucial for preventing sports injuries.
- Optimizing brain function through targeted training lacks sufficient evidence.
- Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers precise measurement of perceptual latency and response time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of a VR-based training program on improving neural processes related to injury avoidance.
- To assess the impact of enhanced movement initiation speed and accuracy on injury rates in female soccer players.
Main Methods:
- Fifty high school female soccer players were assessed using VR to measure performance metrics.
- Players with suboptimal performance were assigned to a brief (<5 min) VR training program over 7 weeks.
- Regression-discontinuity and time-to-event analyses were used to evaluate training effects and injury associations.
Main Results:
- The training program significantly improved metrics for fast/accurate movement initiation (rate correct score for perceptual latency) and across-trial consistency (perceptual latency variability).
- A strong association was found between higher perceptual latency variability (≥ 0.143) and increased injury risk (Hazard Ratio = 15.43).
- A history of concussion also significantly increased injury risk (Hazard Ratio = 8.84).
Conclusions:
- Consistent movement initiation, as improved by the VR training, is strongly associated with avoiding concussion and musculoskeletal injuries.
- The training program demonstrates a potentially significant "far-transfer" effect, benefiting injury prevention beyond the trained skills.
- This research highlights the potential of VR for optimizing neurocognitive function to enhance athletic safety.
