CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION IN ADOLESCENT FEMALE WATER POLO PLAYERS DURING VR TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED TRAINING

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14529/hsm260302
Keywords: water polo, virtual reality, cardiovascular system, echocardiography, heart rate variability, adolescent athletes, motor skills, autonomic nervous system, female athletes, immersive technology

Abstract

Aim. This paper aims to identify the functional status of the cardiovascular system in adolescent female water polo players during the development of complex motor skills using VR technology. Materials and methods. Thirty adolescent female water polo players (aged 15-16 years) with adult sports ranks I and II were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (G1) followed a standard training program, while Group 2 (G2) integrated VR technology into their training. In addition to five weekly standard trai­ning sessions, G2 included one additional weekly VR-assisted session for developing complex motor skills (wrist catch and turn, penalty shot, and pass feints). Myocardial structural and functional characteristics, as well as cardiac dynamics, were assessed by echocardiography (SIM-5000 Plus, Italy) at baseline and after 9 months. Exercise ECG (20 squats / 30 s) was recorded using a Sensitec ECG-1003 (China). Results. Water polo had a beneficial effect on the functional cardiovascular status of female athletes, producing a pronounced health-enhancing effect. The use of VR technology in the development of complex motor skills was shown to improve visual-motor sensitivity, thereby providing more adaptive cognitive modulation of stimuli involved in autonomic cardiac control. Conclusion. By selecting appropriate sport-specific motor skills for VR-assisted training, it is possible to effectively target those functional, cognitive, and motor characteristics that are insufficiently stimulated by physical exercise. Even infrequent use of VR technology in the training process can significantly improve cardiovascular performance. Therefore, using VR technology as an additional training tool in water polo is justified.

Author Biographies

A. Semchenko , Academy of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Academy of Phy­sical and Rehabilitation Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia.

A. Shevtsov , Academy of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Health-Related Physical Education and Adaptive Sports, Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia.

N. Mamylina , South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Life Safety and Biomedical Disciplines, South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.

A. Nenasheva , South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Education and Sports, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.

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Published
2026-10-07
How to Cite
Semchenko, A., Shevtsov, A., Mamylina, N., & Nenasheva, A. (2026). CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION IN ADOLESCENT FEMALE WATER POLO PLAYERS DURING VR TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED TRAINING. Human. Sport. Medicine, 26(3), 16-23. https://doi.org/10.14529/hsm260302
Issue
Vol 26 No 3 (2026)
Section
Physiology

Copyright (c) 2026 Human. Sport. Medicine

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