How Haptic Feedback in a Mixed Reality Pool Game Affects Real-Life Pool Performance

Abstract

Mechanisms for training pool skills have evolved from manually setting up balls in different positions on the table and hitting them one-by-one to now using technology to precisely set up these plays and practice the game virtually. The aim of this study was to investigate how adding haptic feedback into a pool video game affects transfer of training into real-life pool skills. A 2 x 4 mixed factorial design was used to see how haptic feedback (its absence or presence) and four types of shots affect pool performance. Half of the participants experienced the pool video game without haptic feedback while the other half experienced it with haptic feedback. Performance before and after the video game practice was recorded as successful or unsuccessful, with a series of the same 40 pre- and post-video-game shots. Results from 38 participants are presented, and their implications are discussed.