Enhancing physical abilities in junior wrestlers through virtual reality training: An experimental study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how virtual reality training (VRT) affects the physical skills of young wrestlers. It included 19 wrestlers, aged 15-17, who were part of the Egyptian Wrestling Federation and actively training during the 2022/2023 sports season. The participants were split into two groups: one experimental group with 12 athletes (further divided into two smaller groups of 7 and 5) and a control group with seven athletes. Before starting, measures were taken to ensure that the groups were similar and comparable. The experimental group participated in a VRT program for eight weeks, which consisted of 24 training sessions held three times a week. After the program ended, the researchers conducted tests to measure the outcomes, which were then analyzed statistically. The results showed a noticeable improvement in the physical abilities of the wrestlers in the experimental group, suggesting that the VRT program played a significant role. This research highlights the effectiveness of VRT as a tool for enhancing the physical capabilities of young wrestlers.