Résumé
Transfer of training effects between activities (e.g., from basketball to soccer) and training environments (e.g., from practice to competition) is a fundamental issue in motor learning and skill acquisition. Rienhoff et al., (2012) noted the transfer of motor but not quiet-eye effects in basketball experts. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether virtual and real dart training enables the transfer of quiet-eye duration (QED) and throwing accuracy. We hypothesized an increase in performance for both virtual and real dart training and that these skills would transfer between training modalities. Participants (n = 31) were separated into three groups (virtual training, real training, control) and conducted 15 throws in pre- and post-tests on a real and virtual (Microsoft XBox Kinect) dartboard. The training groups performed three training sessions of 50 throws each. QED was measured using SMI eye tracking glasses and throwing performance (TP) was considered as the radial distance from the bull’s eye. Results showed a significant increase for QED: F(1,26) = 10.63, p = .03, ƒ = .64. The interaction between group and test was significant for TP: Fs(2,28) = 10.39, p = .01, ƒ = .62. All groups improved their QED between pre and post-tests with the virtual group showing the highest increase. Concerning TP, the training groups maintained their results between tests with the control group performing worst. Our results indicate that virtual training facilitates performance and transferability of QED. This might be because of a cross-hair presented in the video game. However, our results suggest real training is needed to increase TP and its transferability. An explanation might be a longer needed intervention for improving both factors and in addition that both tasks are not as simultaneously as supposed to be.
