The effect of virtual reality training on technical skills training load and mental fatigue in football players

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of virtual reality training on technical skill training load and mental fatigue in football players. Materials and Methods: This study included 24 football players aged 18 and above currently participating in official match calendars licensed by the Turkish Football Federation. Our research involved two groups: the application group that trained using the Rezzil Index® virtual reality application and the control group that continued their regular team training. These groups trained for 16 units, 2 days per week, over 8 weeks. Training load values of the athletes participating in the study were recorded in the 30 minutes after the training. They were evaluated using the dependent samples t-test, and post-hoc analyses (Bonferroni) were applied and recorded. Mental fatigue levels were recorded as pre-tests at the study's beginning and post-tests at the end. The performance tests measuring football-specific heading, moving ball striking, fixed ball striking, and passing skills were evaluated and recorded as pre-test and post-test. Intra-group findings that emerged in the study were assessed and recorded using the dependent samples t-test from statistical methods, and the inter-group comparisons were evaluated and recorded using the independent samples t-test. Results: According to the analysis results, a statistically significant difference was detected in the pre-test and post-test football-specific technical skill values of the performance group (p<0,05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the pre-test and post-test football-specific technical skill values of the control group (p>0,05). According to the analysis results, a statistically significant difference was detected in the performance group's pre-test and post-test training load values (p<0,05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the control group's pre-test and post-test training load values (p>0,05). According to the analysis results, a statistically significant difference was detected in the pre-test and post-test mental fatigue values of the performance group (p<0,05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the control group's pre-test and post-test mental fatigue values (p>0,05). According to the analysis results, when the application group was compared with the control group, a statistically significant difference was detected in football-specific technical skill, training load and mental fatigue test (p<0,05). Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be stated that the Rezzil Index® VR application, with its fully immersive virtual reality technology materials, can be used as an alternative training method for the development of football-specific technical skills, as well as the associated training load and mental fatigue levels. Keywords: Virtual Reality, Football, Training, Mental Fatigue, Training Load, Technical Skill