The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Table Tennis Instruction on Attentional Performance in Physical Education
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of virtual reality (VR)-assisted table tennis instruction on the attentional performance of seventh-grade students in physical education classes.
Method: The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test comparison group design. A total of 30 students (15 experimental, 15 comparison) enrolled at a private school in Istanbul participated in the study. Students in the experimental group participated in VR-assisted table tennis sessions for 20 minutes per week over an eight-week period, while the comparison group received traditional (non-VR) table tennis instruction over the same period.
Results: Results revealed a significant group-by-time interaction effect on attentional performance (p = .046). The experimental group demonstrated a 25.98% improvement in attentional performance from pre-test to post-test, whereas the comparison group showed an 18.30% improvement over the same period.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that VR-assisted table tennis instruction is effective in improving the attentional performance of middle school students. The results indicate that virtual reality technology can be utilized not only as a tool supporting motor skill instruction in physical education but also as an innovative pedagogical approach that fosters the development of attentional performance.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Sports Science and Exercise (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Nurullah Çelik
*
0000-0001-7257-0721
Türkiye
Publication Date
October 16, 2026
Submission Date
June 30, 2026
Acceptance Date
October 4, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 2026