Virtual reality-based tabata training: a professional method for changing levels physical fitness and psychological well-being on student-athletes

Background and Study Aim. Physical fitness and psychological well-being of student-athletes had decreased significantly and became the main problem in this study. This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality-based Tabata training to increase the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being through a mixed method. Material and Methods. This study used a mixed method. The participants involved in this study were student-athletes (n=40) at Singaperbangsa Karawang University (Indonesia). Quantitative instruments used to measure physical fitness include 20 m shuttle run, 30 m sprint run, horizontal jump and leg dynamometer. While the qualitative instrument used to measure student-athlete perceptions through in-depth interviews for 30 minutes. Quantitative statistical analysis through IBM SPSS was used to find the mean and standard deviation. Independent samples t-test was used to test the difference in values between the experimental and control groups before and after the experiment. Meanwhile, the Paired samples t-test was used to investigate the effect of this training, both in the experimental and control groups. Qualitative statistical analysis was carried out qualitatively thematically, namely the results of in-depth interviews were coded and categorized into three themes. Results. There were several finding in quantitative research. First, there was no difference in physical fitness or psychological well-being between the experimental and control groups before the experiment (p>0.05). Second, there were differences in the values of physical fitness and psychological well-being between the experimental and control groups after the experimental program (p<0.05). Third, there was a significant effect in the experimental group on the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being (p<0.05) and the control group also showed an effect on changes in physical fitness and psychological well-being but smaller than the experimental group (p<0.05). In Qualitative research,  student-athletes provided positive perceptions about virtual reality-based Tabata training which was easy, efficient and effective, fun and encouraged them to be more active. Negative perceptions were not all student-athletes and universities were equipped with virtual reality facilities. It must carried out in a location or place that was completely safe or far from vehicles. Conclusions. Our mixed study confirms that virtual reality-based Tabata training had positive effect to change the level of physical fitness and psychological well-being among student-athletes.