Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an immersive training system using virtual reality (VR) on basketball performance metrics among physical culture students. The use of VR in sports training has gained attention for its potential to enhance both physical skills and cognitive functions. Objective: The objective was to compare the effects of immersive VR training against traditional training methods on shooting accuracy, reaction times, and cognitive load. Sixty university students were divided into control and experimental groups, participating in respective training regimes. Methodology: the study employed a VR setup to conduct the training sessions, and quantitative data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA. This analysis revealed significant improvements in shooting accuracy and reaction times in the VR-trained group, with p-values well below 0.05. Results: The results, however, indicated no significant differences in cognitive load between the groups. These outcomes suggest that while VR can enhance certain physical skills, its impact on cognitive aspects of performance is not clearly established. Discussion: The discussion highlights that, compared to previous studies, this research confirms the benefits of VR in physical training but raises questions about its cognitive effects, which have been inconsistent across different studies. Conclusions: This study confirms VR's effectiveness in enhancing specific athletic skills and underscores the need for further research into its cognitive impacts. The findings advocate for incorporating VR technologies into sports training programs, highlighting the importance of continuous innovation and comprehensive evaluation in diverse training environments.