The Effect of Long-term Virtual Reality-based Motor Imagery Exercise Intervention on Executive Performance in Competitive Shooting Athlete

This study evaluates whether a 12-week virtual reality-based motor imagery (VRMI) training program can improve executive function and shooting performance in competitive 10-meter air pistol athletes. The study compares VRMI with traditional exercise training and a control condition consisting of health education videos. Eligible athletes are assigned to one of the three groups and complete the assigned intervention for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, participants complete a virtual reality shooting competition and cognitive testing. The study measures shooting performance, visual attention using eye-tracking, prefrontal cortex activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and salivary neurotransmitter levels. The purpose of this study is to determine whether VRMI is a useful training method for improving attention control, executive function, and performance in precision shooting athletes.