Innovative VR Technology Supports Mental Well-Being of Young Athletes

A groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) initiative designed to boost the mental health and resilience of young athletes is gaining significant attention among leading sports organizations across the UK. Developed through a collaboration between the University of Derby and the sports psychology company My Energy Game (MEG), this project introduces a specialized VR game aimed at fostering self-development and psychological well-being.

The innovative game employs a VR headset to guide athletes through a tailored profiling process that evaluates key attributes vital for personal growth, including communication skills, adaptability, coping with setbacks, relationship management, and leadership qualities. Based on the profiling results, players can select specific scenarios to engage in targeted learning experiences, promoting self-awareness and mental resilience.

This initiative has caught the interest of major stakeholders such as the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), with PFA CEO Maheta Molango personally testing the prototype during a visit to the University. The project has also led to a strategic one-year partnership between the university and MEG, founded by former West Ham United assistant coach Edu Rubio and psychologist Tina Hurst. The partnership aims to provide resources like workshops, webinars, and coaching sessions dedicated to enhancing the performance and well-being of young athletes.

Dr. Andy Hooton, Head of the School of Sport and Exercise Science at Derby, highlighted the promising potential of gamified VR tools to positively impact mental health and personal development among athletes. He emphasized that the university is actively contributing to the evolving field of VR and artificial intelligence applications in sports.

Edu Rubio underscored the importance of industry collaboration, mentioning that the partnership seeks to advance digital offerings and foster innovation at the intersection of sports education, digital transformation, and career development. This project exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can support young athletes in building resilience against mental health challenges and improving overall well-being.

Source: Medical Xpress