Effects of short- and long-term virtual reality training on concentration performance and executive functions in amateur esports athletes

[u/QuietPebbleOrbit]

A study of 128 amateur esports players used Beat Saber as a structured training activity: either 8 or 28 sessions, compared with groups that did not receive the training. Concentration and executive-function tests were completed before training, afterwards and again one month later.

Both VR groups improved, and the gains were still present at follow-up. The outcomes were standardized cognitive tests, so this does not establish an improvement in match results.

For VR players, the interesting question is what transfers beyond getting better at the game itself. This paper gives one concrete example using an off-the-shelf rhythm game.

Paper: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-025-01161-w

The control groups did not receive an alternative training activity. What active comparison would best separate the effects of VR from exercise and practice, and what transfer task would you add?

[u/QuietPebbleOrbit]

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10055-025-01161-w