VR Training System of Step Timing for Baseball Batter Using Force Stimulus

Abstract

Conventionally, correct motion in sports training and rehabilitation has been taught directly from a trainer. However, oral or gesture presentations are difficult based on what the trainer considers to be the accurate motion. We propose a motion timing presentation method using force stimulus, which has high relevance to the target motion. In this study, we developed a timing presentation training system for a baseball batter using force stimulus. The force stimulus is presented according to the pitching motion reproduced on a virtual reality (VR) system to present the timing stimulus repeatedly. The stimulus is used for presenting the timing of the initial foot step motion, which is the first phase of batting. For verification of the timing presentation effect of the training system, we measured the initial batting timing of the baseball beginner. As a result, it was found that the foot step could be started very close to the target timing using force stimulus presentation.